Yes on 55: Safe Water

Ever since 1960, the state of California has provided loans and grants to public water agencies to assist in the construction and improvement of treatment facilities. This service, financed by publicly approved bond funds, has become more crucial than ever. Because of budget cuts in recent years, federal financing is not as readily available. And contamination of water supplies has become an increasing concern to health authorities and public officials.

Thus, one of the easiest decisions facing California voters on Nov. 4 ballot will be to vote yes on Proposition 55, the Safe Drinking Water Bond Act of 1986. Proposition 55 continues the state program with a $100-million bond issue, three-fourths of which would be made available to local agencies in the form of loans and the rest in grants.

A 1984 bond issue was approved by 72% of the voters. But those funds are nearly exhausted and the requests for state aid far exceed the available money. Following the 1984 election, the state received 1,359 requests for a total of $825 million. The state Department of Health Service now estimates that $500 million is needed to eliminate health hazards believed to exist in 900 local water systems.

The bond issue proposal passed the state Senate 32-1 and the Assembly 67-5. The only organized opposition to the measure comes from the Libertarian Party, whose leaders do not believe local government should provide water service at all.

Proposition 55 is not a boondoggle to subsidize just a few water agencies, as the Libertarians suggest. The agencies put up the bulk of the funds themselves and also must apply for federal assistance before they can seek state money. In general, the maximum loan amount is $5 million. In hundreds of California communities, citizens can drink the local water without fear because of the success of this program in the past. It is imperative that it continue and that will be assured with a yes vote on Proposition 55.