U.S. Water News Online
INDIO, Calif. -- Faced with a housing boom, the Indio Water Authority approved a water conservation plan requiring developers to cease using city water for dust control and other building needs and seek out alternative water sources.
The 80 builders affected by the unanimous decision were required to turn in their water meters by July 1 and find other water sources, such as canal or well water. The restriction will be in effect through Oct. 31.
Residents are also being asked to voluntarily conserve water.
The authority's decision is designed to reduce the strain on infrastructure and maintain good water flow for fighting fires.
Some builders are already working with the Coachella Valley Water District, which maintains the Coachella Canal, a branch of the All-American Canal that runs through the middle of the city.
"We're somewhat confused about why all of a sudden this is an issue. It's like the left hand isn't talking to the right if all these projects were all approved and all the agencies are part of the approval process," said Robert Perryman of Ashbrook Communities, which has two projects in Indio.
GHA Companies president Mario Gonzales said canal water for three of his four Indio projects, but one located on Avenue 49 may prove troublesome because of its location.
"We're going to have to apply for an exemption for that project. I feel we have no alternative source," Gonzales said.
Builders can apply for an exemption before July 1. If an exemption is granted, however, builders will be limited to 350 gallons per minute.
Authority commissioner Mike Wilson, who is also a councilman, said the city couldn't have planned or anticipated such unprecedented growth. Some 25,000 homes are being built in the city.
The city grew almost 10 percent in 2004 and now has 66,118 residents, making it the largest and fastest-growing city in the Coachella Valley.
Assistant to the city manager Mark Wasserman said the construction community uses an average 37 million gallons of water daily in the summer. The water is used for grading, dust control and street cleaning.
"There's plenty of water, it's the delivery system," said commissioner Ben Godfrey, who is also a councilman.
The City Council approved spending $5.4 million on water improvements in April.
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