Yes on I is common sense

Voting yes on Measure I is an opportunity to reaffirm our vision as a community on such a basic source of our future welfare as water. The most common reasons for voting no, while emotionally compelling, don’t pass the common-sense test.

Too expensive? My water bill over the last year ranged from 30 cents per day in winter to almost $2 per day during summer. Yes, while I don’t “like” it, I’m willing to pay $1 per day during winter and turn my attention to reducing my summer use to adapt to higher rates. I also favor a system to subsidize residents with very low income.

Not an emergency? I don’t think anyone in his or her right mind thinks it’s a good idea to wait until one is in an emergency situation to take action on anything in life. Why not take on this project while financing costs are at a minimum and we really can take the time to make sure the project is done right?

Not needed? There is no question Davis groundwater supplies us with arguably the worst water quality for any city in California. Costs associated with poor quality water include frequent changes to fixtures, water filters, water softeners and salt, more soap, etc. Better quality surface water respects the value of preserving our groundwater for drought periods while reducing the immense power demand to pump it from such great depths.

Unfair, complicated rates? Anyone who really attempts to understand the new rate structure can see it is more transparent and “fair” than the old structure. It is actually educational to understand the rates and see that conservation pays.

If we fail as a community to support Measure I, we will almost certainly look back, ruefully, to a time when we could have taken control of our future but failed to do so out of fear and a sense that we can live in this world and reap the benefits of a good life without a sense of responsibility to pay our way.

Dave Hart
Davis