The first reading of a water conservation ordinance was undertaken at the City Council meeting June 8. Five phases of the measure are given. Water rates will increase $.06 per 100 cubic feet as of August 1.
Water rates in Arcadia will be lowered by $.04 per 100 cu Ft effective July 1, 1979. The burden of the water tax, now split 50% each by the city and property owners, will fall 100% on property owners. However, the increased property tax is tax deductible.
Because of California's intense two year drought, water rates will need to go up to cover the costs of getting outside water. Also, pumping costs are greater due to soaring energy costs.
One of Arcadia's water wells, located on Camino Real Ave. between First and Second Avenues was pumping sandy water into the city's water distribution system. The well was shut down and will be carefully checked. The sandy water was not contaminated or harmful to drink.
City Council is considering the purchase of a water well and water rights from Monrovia at a cost of $200,000. An additional $100 thousand will be needed to construct a pumping station.
The City Council will increase water rates on a year to year basis for the next five years. Funds will thus be accumulated for predictable major replacement projects. These projects are outlined in the article.
The City Council approved a mandatory water conservation program that requires a 10% decrease in water use by all residents, as well as the use of penalties if residents use more than their share of water.
Thirty-two first year teachers and various administrators have received notices that they may not be rehired. If a revenue increase fails in the April 1975 election, Arcadia will be $1 million short.
Despite California's third consecutive dry year, Arcadia pumped 5.56 billion gallons of water from its wells in 1988 setting the city's third highest year on record.
A group of local businessmen have initiated steps to open a new bank, independently owned by other Arcadians. If all goes well, it will be the first independent bank to open in Arcadia since 1929.
City Council has voted to purchase Monrovia's Chapman Well and reservoir. In addition Arcadia will exchange 951 acre feet of water rights in the San Gabriel Basin for the same amount now owned by Monrovia in the Raymond Basin.
Arcadia residents saved 22% more water over the past seven months than they did in the same period last year. Arcadia Water Manager Eldon Davidson attributed the mandatory 10% reduction program implemented by the City in February.
John Grivich, head of the Arcadia Water Department for the past 26 years retired June 7. He is proud of the quality of Arcadia's water, its low rates, good equipment and the stable number of Department employees.