Residential Water Meters Sample Clauses

Residential Water Meters. This is a sensitive issue in our region. We are blessed with the waters of both the Sacramento and American rivers plus groundwater readily accessible with xxxxx. Despite this apparent abundance, extensive research by stakeholder representatives has revealed real limits on our ability to meet water needs solely by diverting or pumping more water. Water meters and pricing based on the quantity used are essential for us to meet our goals of providing a safe, reliable water supply and preserving the Lower American River. In unmetered areas, customers pay a flat rate regardless of how much water they use - they have no economic incentive to be efficient. Customers who conserve subsidize those who waste. In metered areas, customers pay based on the amount of water they use. In this way they can control their own water costs. They also stop subsidizing those who waste. Many people, especially those on fixed or limited incomes, see water meters as a means to pay for only what they use, much like gas or electric meters. It is also recognized that suppliers receiving water from the Central Valley Project are subject to the conservation provisions, including metering, included in the Central Valley Project Improvement Act. CVPIA conservation requirements, including meter retrofit, exist independent of the Water Forum Agreement. Many of the regulatory approvals for needed water facilities will have to be provided by state and federal agencies. These agencies will review our requests in the context of statewide water shortages and virtually universal metering in the rest of the State. Therefore, in order to improve the efficiency of our own water use and to avoid more severe requirements imposed by others, the Water Forum Agreement includes a gradually phased- in retrofit program starting in the fourth year after signing of the Water Forum Agreement. This will minimize disruptions to existing residents. Each supplier will determine the most fair, equitable and cost effective way to implement the mutually agreed upon program within its service area. Within a reasonable time suppliers will read all meters, include water usage on bills and base water use charges on the quantity used. Recognizing that the City of Sacramento has a City Charter prohibiting mandatory meter retrofit, theirs will be an actively pursued voluntary program. It is also recognized that environmental organizations participating in the Water Forum prefer and will continue to advocate that all connect...