Council Delays Water Conservation Law

The Glendale City Council on Tuesday postponed adoption of a conservation ordinance that would reduce water consumption during a drought and changes water rates to reward low water users and increase cost on larger users.

The postponement came after a spokeswoman for the Forest Lawn Memorial Park asked the council to incorporate language to exclude reclaimed water from the ordinance.

The city of Glendale is building a pipeline from its sewage treatment plant to the cemetery, which has agreed to purchase the treated water to irrigate its sprawling, manicured lawns.

Under the new proposal, the typical residential customer would see a monthly water bill rise by 72 cents to $45.80 for 2,000 cubic feet of water.

But those who use 1,000 cubic feet would see a bill reduced by $2.10 to $24.50, Public Service Director W.E. Cameron said.

In times of drought, the council would be empowered to activate a five-step plan that would call for saving up to 25% of the water each customer normally uses. Any excess use would be penalized by a surcharge of twice the basic water rate.