[Rally]

[quote author=ferrari link=topic=12510.msg124530#msg124530 date=1439677964]
I don't understand the comments that it is illegal to have tiered water pricing.  Here, we are served by the Coachella Valley Water District.  There has been tiered pricing for quite a few years, same as electric and gas.  With the new requirements they have added fines to those who do not meet water reduction requirements.  For our HOA missing the target last month would have meant a fine in excess of $15,000, so our lawns are now brown.  I am ashamed to admit it, but our neighboring community (same walls, same gates, etc.) is a PUD, wherein each owner owns their own lot and pays their own water bill.  (We pay only for interior use.). All of their lawns are lush and green.  I asked one if he didn't feel a little funny with all that green.  He said, "I like green grass and can afford the fine.  To hell with them."  He is one of 500, and I am ashamed of each of them, even though many are/were good friends.

Yep, about 2/3 of California water providers use tiered pricing, but a recent April 21 court decision ruled this is unconstitutional (against Roseville). This applies only to municipal water providers. Cities using tiered pricing now have to try another legal tack or change their billing. Fines are probably legal.
[/quote]

What is a municipal water provider?  My impression, not researched, is that the water districts in the Valley (there are several) are independent agencies.  Tiered pricing is the only hope to bring order to the market.  Fines against neighbors such as mine should be increased until a breaking point is reached.  In the meanwhile their fines should go to alleviate rates for those (most of us) less fortunate.

[Rally]

[quote author=ferrari link=topic=12510.msg124530#msg124530 date=1439677964]
I don't understand the comments that it is illegal to have tiered water pricing.  Here, we are served by the Coachella Valley Water District.  There has been tiered pricing for quite a few years, same as electric and gas.  With the new requirements they have added fines to those who do not meet water reduction requirements.  For our HOA missing the target last month would have meant a fine in excess of $15,000, so our lawns are now brown.  I am ashamed to admit it, but our neighboring community (same walls, same gates, etc.) is a PUD, wherein each owner owns their own lot and pays their own water bill.  (We pay only for interior use.). All of their lawns are lush and green.  I asked one if he didn't feel a little funny with all that green.  He said, "I like green grass and can afford the fine.  To hell with them."  He is one of 500, and I am ashamed of each of them, even though many are/were good friends.

Yep, about 2/3 of California water providers use tiered pricing, but a recent April 21 court decision ruled this is unconstitutional (against Roseville). This applies only to municipal water providers. Cities using tiered pricing now have to try another legal tack or change their billing. Fines are probably legal.
[/quote]

What is a municipal water provider?  My impression, not researched, is that the water districts in the Valley (there are several) are independent agencies.  Tiered pricing is the only hope to bring order to the market.  Fines against neighbors such as mine should be increased until a breaking point is reached.  In the meanwhile their fines should go to alleviate rates for those (most of us) less fortunate.