Reduce, reuse, recycle II

Assemblymember Paul Krekorian, D-Burbank, is currently carrying AB 2153, which would require new development to mitigate new water use.

Krekorian’s measure would require developers to prove their projects have no net gain in water use or pay into a fund to finance conservation projects elsewhere, such as fixing leaky pipes, cleaning up groundwater and recycling.

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The measure contains some exemptions: Projects that replace existing building would be exempt if they use less water. Affordable housing would not be subject to the law.

Meanwhile, the bill requires that at least 40 percent builder-financed conservation would have to be achieved in economically disadvantaged neighborhoods.

Needless to say, builders and developers are against it.

“Accounting for every drop of water goes too far,” said Assemblyman Doug La Malfa, R-Willows, who worries that making developers responsible for even more conservation will “be used as an excuse” to abandon planning for new reservoirs for the entire state.

Los Angeles has already announced that it plans to accommodate future population growth with aggressive conservation and recycling programs.

We must do the same.

ETA: In case you missed it, here is an excellent half-hour video on water recycling.