The negative reactions so far to the Sacramento River water project are a perfect illustration of the Tragedy of the Commons. We are depleting at least two shared resources: the groundwater basin, and the health of downstream aquatic life. This is the inevitable result of too many water users and a limited supply.

Water, as with so many other resources, has been taken for granted. (Note that it was once considered unnecessary to meter it!) The result of this is a blasé disregard for its importance, so much so that it is still wasted in many ridiculous ways.

We could, of course, use much less water, if the Commons could agree on a few things. The city could allow composting toilets, graywater use, rainwater collection. It could prohibit lawns, car washing, swimming pools and any new housing construction. All of these done together might cut the pumping enough to allow for groundwater recharge.

But here is the tragedy: We won’t be able to agree on doing it.

So I think tripling the water bill might be just the perfect solution, in several ways. It’ll get us a second, better source of clean water, and prod all of us to be more careful with it. I’m aware that some of us will have a hard time with the increased cost, and the city should look into financing a relief program for those people. However, this seems to be a clear case of choosing the essential thing, and letting go of what isn’t.

I strongly advise that we go ahead with this project. I can’t think of anything more important to our community than a reliable source of good water.

Chris Lambert

Davis

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