Bob suggested that we require water conservation under the rules and see what the impact is. John noted that Ken wants to be sure that some flow is maintained in the river and Bob wants to be able to count on having sufficient water to provide for public health and safety. John Ragonese asked if it was suitable to require that a conservation plan be in place and measures implemented at certain water levels. Francesca Latawiec asked how the plan would be enforced. Bob Beaurivage said that car washing and lawn watering is relatively easy to police.
Industrial use is more difficult to enforce.
He added that changing water rates through the PUC would further induce industry to conserve. David Marshall suggested some sort of pricing mechanism that would increase rates during times of low flow. Bob said it would be good idea to include something in the rules that placed a mandatory ban on watering lawns and washing cars at Q95 or some other number. At Q70 for example, conservation measures identified in the conservation plan would have to be implemented. At Q80, other additional measures would have to be implemented.