Golden State Water’s conservation award is unfair, given high bills

I would have been laughing out loud if it wasn’t for the tears of aghast already forming when I read the “Golden State Water of Los Osos wins water conservation award” article in the Oct. 11 paper. I have been conserving water prior to the 2013 measure for water usage as my water bills are/were exorbitantly high. I believe that my conservation efforts go beyond the typical household as I bucket everything (sinks, showers and laundry gray water output) using this to water what little landscaping I have and to flush our toilets. My water bill still runs me an average of $60 a month. With extra fees added on and a monthly usage fee, it’s impossible to get the rates lower. We are a household of three, and I garden for our daily food (maybe an indulgence).

My daughter is also with GSWS but in Simi Valley; she indicated that her water bill is approximately $80 a month, however she has a family of five and a big house. So what gives, GSWS? Why are our rates so high, and how can you accept an award based on the Los Osos residents’ conservation efforts primarily due to the mandated high costs?

This story was originally published November 7, 2016 at 8:48 PM with the headline "Golden State Water’s conservation award is unfair, given high bills."