The Independent Committee that oversees water rates in San Diego has issued its first report. The committee recommends ways to save money and water. KPBS reporter Katie Orr has details.
The Independent Rates Oversight Committee was created a little over a year ago and is required to issue annual reports. Its first includes a recommendation that the region move toward reusing more water. Committee Chair Don Billings says most San Diegans don’t realize they’re already drinking recycled water.
Billings : Our so called fresh water that the water department buys, is water that includes a lot of wastewater that’s been treated by municipalities and users upstream. And that’s true of our two major sources of water, water from the Delta and water from the Colorado River.
Billings says water reuse would give the region a more stable supply of water. The committee also recommends restructuring the water and sewer rates to encourage conservation.
Katie Orr, KPBS News.
