THOUSAND OAKS : Residents Who Save Water Can ‘Bank’ It
Thousand Oaks water customers who save water now will be able to use more later without facing fines under a new “water banking” program adopted in a 4-0 vote Tuesday night by the City Council. Councilwoman Elois Zeanah was absent.
The program allows the city’s 12,800 customers to receive credit for water that is saved under the city’s mandatory water conservation program.
The city in March ordered customers to trim consumption by 20% after an announcement of cutbacks by its primary water supplier, the Calleguas Municipal Water District.
Customers are fined $3 for every 748 gallons they use over a quota established by the city. Quotas are based on a customer’s usage over the past two years.
Under the plan, customers would get a $3 credit when they conserve more than the quota, city Utilities Director Don Nelson said. The credits could be used when need is higher, such as the summer months.
Two private water companies that operate in Newbury Park and the Westlake area of Thousand Oaks have already adopted similar banking programs.
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