Allocation of State’s Water

The DWP’s system of penalties to conserve water has not, one is disappointed to note, been gratefully received. Perhaps the non-affluent are afraid; perhaps many of us recall the aromatic era of the two C’s: cologne and Clorox; perhaps most people cannot read water meters or react positively to a punitive measure.

I submit, therefore, a modest proposal: Instead of penalties, substitute rewards. Replace the 15% penalty for first-time water excess with a reward of a 15% decrease on water bills for cooperation.

I can think of not one objection that the DWP will possibly raise against this proposal. Only the mean-spirited consumer would suspect that the department seeks revenue rather than greater, positively motivated water conservation.

PAUL A. JORGENSEN, Los Angeles