MWD: Do as I say, not as I do

Metropolitan Water District of Southern California adopted a new “Long-Term Conservation Plan to help improve water use efficiency and reduce regional per capita water use 20 percent by 2020.”

The plan is pretty simple: use 20% less and pay 200% more.  Yes, 200% MORE!  OK, 200% is MY BEST GUESS based on MWD's own data and budget.

MWD’s rates are always increasing to cover their overhead, most of which addresses increased costs of benefits and salaries.  Let’s not forget that this same agency has the Ethics Office which costs ratepayers $571,000 per year to help train District employees about sexual harassment and ethics.

It’s ironic that the agency promoting water conservation is so wasteful with our money.

Despite MWD’s business practices, it is important that we conserve water and recognize the actual cost of managing our water system.    

It is equally important that government agencies recognize their role in supplying residents with water the residents already own.  I know that sounds odd but think about it.  The MWD is a public agency, not a private for-profit corporation.  And all of the Agency’s property and commodities belong to the shareholders (not to be confused with the stakeholders) which are the District’s residents.  Therefore, MWD Directors need to remember who they serve and why they serve us.

I suggest the MWD swallow their own pill and demonstrate greater fiscal responsibility before saddling consumers with the cost of their waste.