That term "more stringent action" likely means increased levels of fining for those using too much water. A controversial item in itself as many of those on the receiving end of those fines aren't always convinced they deserve that kind of attention, or should have to pay so much.
But is the city's inability to attain its conservation goals really the fault of those who will be the target of this increased fining stringency? Here is an exchange between a resident and Bruce Inman that we posted just the other day.
So is it possible that those additional small percentages of inappropriate water use, which have now left the city short of its 32% state mandated water reduction target, were actually caused by the recent rash of water pipe leaks? As typified by this recent article from the current incarnation of the Sierra Madre Patch (link)?
Perhaps Sierra Madre's long suffering residents have been doing exactly what they are supposed to do, saving water, and the real source of the problem lies elsewhere? Could be.
So just how widespread are the city's water leak troubles? This from yesterday's e-mail blasted "Sierra Madre Public Works Dept. - Special Message."
Triage indeed. Sometimes you have to wonder who really should be paying those "more stringent" city water fines.
This next item appears in today's edition of the San Gabriel Valley Tribune:
Today's SGV Tribune report also alludes to that troubling juxtaposition of city water pipe leaks and state mandated water reduction goals. You can read the rest here.