The Glass Slipper: Bend's Rational Water Plan

They don't call this "the high desert" for nothing. Scant rainfall (about the same as Los Angeles gets) means Central Oregon depends on winter snowpack

August 05, 2008

comment

They don't call this "the high desert" for nothing. Scant rainfall (about the same as Los Angeles gets) means Central Oregon depends on winter snowpack for most of its water. And it means that conserving water is an imperative.

Faced with the need to raise $50 million to improve Bend's water system, the city staff came up with a plan to encourage conservation by creating a rate structure in which heavy users would pay more per gallon. But under pressure from business interests, including Bend's Only Daily Newspaper, the city council backed away from this sensible and environmentally responsible plan.

Here's hoping the idea will be revived someday soon - and here's a GLASS SLIPPER to the city staff for sticking with it.

Speaking of Glass Slipper

Through the Looking Glass: 20 Years of the Source Weekly

Sep 6, 2017
It's Time to Retire the Wild West Governance Model in Bend

Aug 17, 2016
High Satisfaction in Parks, Despite Setbacks

Aug 3, 2016
More »

Comments

Add a comment

Latest in Editorial

When it comes to paying for transportation infrastructure, locals may be paying twice

Feb 20, 2019
Marijuana: Let "Oversupply" Become "Export"

Feb 13, 2019
Pet rent ban would do away with hidden "fee" for pet owners

Feb 6, 2019

More by Intern

The Other Half of the Yoga Equation

The Source Issue 45 (Nov. 10) contained wonderful information about the forms of yoga offered in our vicinity. Most of the information covered pertained to the socially enjoyable forms of yoga enjoyed by the folks who use yoga mats and bendy posturing as they concentrate on improving their blissful breathing techniques. These physical forms of yoga are the beautiful compliments to the mental, mindful and meditative forms of yoga that balance the larger yoga (yogic) equation. Yoga is basically a non-denominational practice aimed at balancing the physical (body) existence with the meta-physical (mind) reality. The ensuing mind-body balance creates the union required for an increased "understanding" (consciousness) of the "living experience."
- by Intern
- Jan 25, 2012
Walden's Corporate Servitude

In the time-honored American tradition of peaceful civil disobedience, I am proud to be one of eight Central Oregon citizens arrested on December 5 in Congressman Greg Walden's Bend office. At our January 26 trial we plan to present a compelling defense. This act of dissent follows years of futile attempts to encourage the Congressman to hold open, unscripted town meetings accessible to a majority of his constituents. The Congressman has grown so suspicious of impromptu encounters with ordinary citizens that on Saturday he required a Bend Police Department intervention that enabled him to enter the Water Project meeting at the Chamber of Commerce through the back door. (Greg, we are nonviolent people who believe that democracy thrives on open dialogue and transparency; there is no reason to avoid us.)
- by Intern
- Jan 25, 2012
Doors of Equality Swing Both Ways

I had to respond to "What's Wrong with Siri," (News, 1-4) since Apple's Siri isn't the problem. Three hours before I read, "What's wrong with Siri," I went to a store in town and complimented the cashier that this was the nicest "dollar" store I had ever been in.
- by Intern
- Jan 11, 2012
More »