Monterey Peninsula Water Update
As a reminder, we currently have a temporary restraining order on the Cease and Desist Order, which was adopted on October 20, 2009. There is a request for a change of venue to determine whether this “stay” will be lifted. There seems to be some concern on the part of the State of California that there will be some prejudice if the determination is made here in the Superior Court of Monterey County. So, with this in mind, here are some important dates to remember.
January 4, 2010 – The California Attorney General will determine whether the request for change of venue will be granted.
January 27, 2010 - the Monterey County Superior Court will decide whether or not the stay is lifted, but this will all change if, on January 4th, the change of venue is successful.
January 28, 2010 – the Monterey Peninsula Water Management District (MPWMD) will meet to “maybe” enact stage 3 or 5 rationing as a result of the courts decision on January 27th. Note: the MPWMD general manager does have the authority to delay adoption of rationing for up to 90 days upon the courts stay decision.
If the stay continues to be in place after January 27th, we will probably be at stage 3 rationing. At stage 3 it is the heavy water users and commercial businesses that will be affected. However, we are not all safe when it comes to the price of water. As the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC) has granted CAL AM the authority to begin their new rate structure. CAL AMS new rates will take effect as soon as their new billing software upgrade is completed.
If the stay is lifted after January 27th we could be at a Stage 5, which would mean a moratorium on new connections or intensification of use and would require 50gpd rationing. Today we're around 70gpd. The state of California considers anything below 55gpd below health and human safety standards.
