Sierra Madre : Water Use Penalties Stand

The City Council decided last week not to waive penalties assessed to residents who failed to meet water conservation goals, but instead will consider raising water allowances.

The council agreed Tuesday that to waive penalties would send the wrong message to the public, thwarting conservation efforts. However, because 48% of the city’s residents exceeded their allotments at least once last year, the council instructed city staff to re-examine the current conservation rules requiring residents to use 20% less water than in 1989.

Councilwoman MaryAnn MacGillivray said it may be unreasonable to ask residents to cut back from that year, which was wetter than usual.

The city staff last month recommended that the council waive penalties, of seven cents per cubic foot of water, to 1,767 homeowners who exceeded their goals.