In the classic science fiction novel “Dune,” workers called “dew gatherers” harvested dewdrops daily from the plants of the arid planet Arrakis. The absence of water had a profound impact on the planet’s economy, religion, politics, courtship rituals and even funerals.
In the classic science fiction novel “Dune,” workers called “dew gatherers” harvested dewdrops daily from the plants of the arid planet Arrakis. The absence of water had a profound impact on the planet’s economy, religion, politics, courtship rituals and even funerals.
Fortunately, Islanders are nowhere near as desperate for water as the people of Arrakis. But water is essential to all living things on and off the Island and little rain has fallen on Catalina in recent months. As of May 7, the water level at the Thompson Reservoir was 582 acre feet.
That was the same measure that Ben Harvey, Southern California Edison’s region manager for public affairs, reported to the City Council last week.
The 582-acre-foot water measure, first reported on May 3, was a tipping point for Catalina, because Phase One water restrictions become mandatory when the water level at Thompson drops below 600 acre feet, an acre foot being enough water to cover one acre of land one foot deep.
There has been a little rain on the Island recently, according to Harvey, but he said the ground was so “thirsty” that it soaked up all the rain. He described that as common with small rainfalls.
City Attorney Scott Campbell said Southern California Edison has asked for Avalon to update its Municipal Code so they are consistent with Edison’s rules for water restrictions.
Campbell said he, City Manager Denise Radde and Edison were scheduled to have a conference on updating the code on Wednesday, May 22.
Only the City Council can change the Municipal Code.
Campbell could not recall when the Municipal Code was last updated to address water usage, but he said it was before his time as city attorney.
Pam Albers was city attorney in December 2007, when Edison last declared Phase One water restrictions.
Phase One restrictions were in place from December 2007 to January 2011.
According to Harvey, Phase One does not mean water rationing. That happens during Phase Two, when Edison would limit how many gallons an Island customer could use each day.
As previously reported, Phase One will require Islanders to reduce water by prohibiting the washing of streets, driveways, parking lots, piers and other hard surfaces.
Phase One will also prohibit washing vehicles such as golf carts, trailers and boats. Fresh water from fire hydrants may only be used to fight fires. Watering landscapes would be limited to 7 to 9 a.m. and 5 to 7 p.m.
Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce President Wayne Griffin does not expect Phase One restrictions to have much of an impact on business.
“Phase One isn’t going to effect business that much,” Griffin said.
“The real challenge to business comes in Phase Two,” Griffin said.
Harvey said that Edison must first officially notify the California Public Utilities Commission, then officially notify the city of Avalon and residents. Harvey expected Phase One restrictions to begin in late May.
Last week, Harvey told the City Council that the Island’s desalination plant would probably be back online in June or July. The plant was shut down in January 2011, after Catalina came out of Phase One water restrictions. The desalination plant ran consistently for four years prior to the January 2011 shutdown, which kept the Island out of Phase Two water rationing but also deferred maintenance and well rehabilitation.
