In 2009 FPUD requested ratepayers to conserve water. FPUD called it the Category One advisory mode of operation with the exception that grove farmers lost their preferred water rate. Then, because of drought conditions, FPUD went into a Category Two mode of operation and for ratepayers with large lots the water cost increase was extreme. Ratepayers were given a target usage amount each month based on previous year’s usage which they were told not to exceed. If ratepayers kept the amount of their water usage below the target amount, then the amount of water saved was placed in what they called a ‘Water Bank.’

As of June 30, 2010 my Water Bank account total was 109,000 gallons. However, on July 1, 2010, FPUD removed all my water savings from my Water Bank account. My Water Bank account for July 2010 dropped to 6,000 gallons, which was actually my July water savings.

Why save any water if FPUD’s politicians can legally take it?

Rainfall totals exceeded 20 inches for our rainfall season while normal rainfall totals for this region is 10 inches. Lake Hodges is so full of water it extends under and past Highway 15. In 2010, exceptionally cool weather with misty rain and morning fog lasted through May until August setting rainfall records. There was no water shortage this year; it’s a contrived falsehood.

Let’s compare FPUD’s water rates with large County cities like San Diego, Oceanside and National City. Some Fallbrook seniors miss meals paying their water bills.

Archie McPhee