Free-Flowing in California

By now, I presume you've heard about the extremely dire situation out in California with regard to water shortages?

April 1, California Governor Jerry Brown:
"Today we are standing on dry grass where there should be five feet of snow. This historic drought demands unprecedented action.  Therefore, I'm issuing an executive order mandating substantial water reductions across our state. As Californians, we must pull together and save water in every way possible."


The entire state.

Under water restrictions.

But, despite the drastic requirements being put in place, some folks in California are "free flowing"..... using all the water they want.

Why?

Water meters have never been installed in some communities.

Read:

"So strong was the belief that water was an inalienable right that several communities and cities promised never to install meters to measure water use - a jarring idea today in a state suffering from a prolonged drought and mandatory cuts to water consumption."

Can you believe that?

So now, they're in a quandary trying to figure out how to enforce the water restrictions.

Installing meters is messy..... and pricey:
"By the end of next year, Sacramento will have spent $145 million installing meters - and still have nearly 40 percent of its water customers unmetered.  Other cities still working to install meters include Bakersfield and Merced."
Yeesh!  and I'm sure the installers/governments are taking all sorts of heat.


Speaking of heat...... as California pool owners try to beat the heat, they are scrambling in the wake of water shortages:

Can you imagine spending oodles of $$$ to build a pool, then not being able to fill it?


Water is such a very, very precious commodity.

For years, there has been excess.
Now, there is shortage.
And folks don't like it.

Hmmmmm..... what similarities to the state of finances many governments find themselves in today!!  What once was is no more..... meaning change is coming.

Folks aren't gonna like it.

Out for now......

Matt