Salt Lake City residents were asked to cut back in 2021 to save the reservoir for 2022. We cut back 2.2 billion gallons just by asking. Then again in 2022. We responded again. But for 2023 we are being told that the mayor and City Council are going to enact an additional new drought fee. The baseline being winter usage. So anything above that usage will have an additional charge.
The reason given: “because other cities do it.” Which cities mayor? The insult here is we are responsible citizens. We voluntarily cut back. Now the gardens and trees we have will cost more, many already gave up their lawns.
The ones who abuse the water and can pay won’t care. But the west siders who are just trying to feed their families will be punished, We are told group gardens are exempt. If you are chosen. How many trees am I allowed to save? But we are already paying for the treatment plant, new parks bond and increased city budget. Raised housing costs.
The mayor is promoting the new investment in trees and grow-your-own-food programs. Does she mention “by the way just don’t use the water”? The city loses 10% of all treated water to leaking underground pipes. Flip the strip program is a waste of money since you can simply not water it.
Thank you, mayor and City Council for insulting the hard-working, underserved people of the city again. This money goes where again?
Margaret Holloway, Salt Lake City
Donate to the newsroom now. The Salt Lake Tribune, Inc. is a 501(c)(3) public charity and contributions are tax deductible