Good morning. By now, you should have received your “City of Modesto 2009 Drinking Water Quality Report”. I commend to you the first paragraph on the last page of this document. In case you missed this report, let me print what that paragraph says.
“The City of Modesto thanks its water customers for doing their part to help combat the increasing demand for water. Our water flow reports indicate a decrease in consumption over the past several years. Since 2003, water consumption by City of Modesto water customers has reduced almost 20% and is at or around 1997 levels. Modesto is not experiencing a critical water shortage like much of the State; however, it is still vitally important to conserve water year round as it is a precious resource.”
(I added the highlighting)
I trust that you understood the totally false assertion regarding “increasing demand for water”. Your Stanislaus Taxpayers Association has been telling BEE reporters, editors, our members and the general public the true facts since 2004. Finally, the City slipped and let the cat out of the bag. The truth is Modestans are using about as much, or little, water as they did 13 years ago.
Water consumption in our city is at 1997 levels, and is steadily falling!
The City, however, is spending $97 Million dollars to double the production capacity at the MID treatment plant, and is, as we speak, paying for studies that will result in another doubling of your water rates!
I hope that the BEE will see the totally false statements coming from City Staff, and report to its readers the actual truth. That is, there is no need to increase water production, nor increase water rates. There are reasons MID and City staffs want more water to sell, but it is not to Modestans. We hope the light of the truth is shed on this evil misuse of bureaucratic power.
Thank you, Dave
