Trucking water on coast discussed

Other options also considered to avert water emergency

UKIAH >> During the July 13 meeting, the Mendocino County Board of Supervisors approved waiving the permit requirements for temporary water tanks in response to the local drought emergency. These tanks must be 5000 gallons or less and must follow zoning standards. This goes into effect immediately.

Previously, residents needed to go through a discretionary review to get a permit to have a water tank on their properties.

After the drought emergency is over, water tanks will need a permit or be removed. Residents who want to keep their tanks are encouraged to apply for a water tank permit early.

Joshua Metz from Regional Government Services said that the water tanks could help residents during the drought emergency, particularly on the coast.

“The town of Mendocino, in particular, has increased rates of dry wells. Upwards of 25 percent has been reported by the Community Service District,” Metz said. “They are wholly dependent at this point in water hauled in by trucks.”

If each person uses 50 gallons a day, a 5000-gallon tank is estimated to last a family of three about a month.

According to First District Supervisor Mcgourty, the water trucks can only carry 3500 gallons at a time. He said a family can call up a truck when they have about 1000 gallons left, and the truck would mostly fill up their tank. This way, a full truckload can go into one water tank.

According to Metz, each truck of water from Fort Bragg to Mendocino would cost an average of $405. Fifth District Supervisor Ted Williams said his math was $528 a month for a family of three. Wil

liams said that many families in his district could not afford such expensive water bills.

According to Metz, the Division of Drinking Water is working on a median income-guided program that would provide drinking water for vulnerable residents. This program isn’t yet finalized.

The BOS is also working with other organizations for other sources of water, such as untapped ponds and reservoirs under other jurisdictions.

Residents can call the drought hotline at (707) 234-6363 for tips on conserving water. Residents can also report dry wells here so the state can keep track of the crises.

Also due to the local drought emergency, the road dust suppression program had to be temporarily put on hold.

The program uses water to suppress the dust, which is not feasible during the drought. The program will resume in the spring if the drought emergency is no longer a factor. In the meantime, the drought emergency ad hoc will be researching where to source the water for this program.

The next Board of Supervisors meeting will be held July 27 at 9 a.m. For more information, visit the county’s website at mendocinocounty.org/government/ board-of-supervisors.