(CBM) – The shortage and contamination of water in California is hitting millions of people hard, particularly Blacks and Latinos.
More than 300 communities across the state and one out of every four schools in the Central Valley lack access to safe drinking water, according to the state Water Board.
Gavin Newsom is calling for a new water tax.
The “safe and affordable drinking water fund” Gov.
Newsom is proposing in his 2019-2020 state budget, is slated to assist low-income or disadvantaged communities.
William “Bill” Patterson, the Vice President of the East Bay Municipal Utility District (EBMUD) Board of Directors, knows the water problem well.
Crowfoot said the water tax “breaks up into two parts,” one part agriculture and the other residential and business.
On the agriculture side, imposing a fee on fertilizers, dairy, and livestock would generate about $30 million each year.
“California is stepping up to ensure all residents have clean and safe water,’” Crowfoot said.
ACWA suggests that there are alternative ways of generating the $110 million needed for the fund.