ValleyCrest has been recommending most of the requirements in AB 1881 to clients for years. I believe 1881 creates some excellent recommendations for water efficiency. In the past we may have made these recommendations, but at times customers did not act on them because of the financial burden. Now due to the ordinance, customers in California are required to take advantage of the technology and processes. In the long run, I believe this will be good for our customers.
I believe we are dealing with a limited window of opportunity. Last March I attended the Legislative Conference in Washington and met with the staff of Congressmen Feinstein, Boxer, McCain, Davis and Mack. We heard the same message from each office. They want the industry to lead the change, and they don’t want to have to enact new laws.
I listened to a presentation by Congressman Glenn Thompson. He discussed water in the US and clearly stated water shortages in the US leave us vulnerable to terrorist attacks and are a threat to our homeland security. This sentiment was echoed in a presentation by John Boehner’s staff. As a result, I believe the window will close quickly if we don’t lead a change.
Following AB 1881 requires some changes. Education of employees is important, especially in the area of smart controllers. Education on other water savings products is also important. Most manufacturers will be happy to supply the training for no charge.
Our design team has probably felt the biggest effect. AB 1881 has been adapted with modifications by most cities in California. In California alone, there are 531 cities. Staying on top of the ordinances in each of the cities is a challenge. In LA County there are 35 different ordinances I wish the ordinances covered more ground.
I hear lots of complaints from people concerning the lack of enforcement of the ordinance. People point out that if no one is going to enforce the laws, no one is going to follow them. I believe as industry leaders we need to set positive examples and influence and motivate others as well. I do many things everyday, like drive the speed limit and not steal from my neighbors because I am a good citizen, not because I will be punished by a law enforcement agency. We need to encourage others to conserve water because it’s the right thing to do for the future of the planet.
I believe AB 1881 creates opportunity. It also creates additional work, but not an unmanageable amount. We all have some work ahead of us, and I’m looking forward to it.