Details matter when it comes to water and eminent domain
“The Daily Bulletin recommends that Claremont take over the local water system, using eminent domain if necessary. While acknowledging there are arguments pro and con, the paper says, “Ignore all that back-and-forth, and simply compare the water rates in La Verne and Claremont.” Following that advice would be expensive. Details cannot be ignored, because they are critical to making an informed decision.
La Verne’s water rates reflect that it has a smaller, less costly system. From 2002-2010, Claremont used about 32 percent more water than La Verne. Claremont uses 2.5 million more gallons every day than La Verne, almost a billion gallons more annually. State law requires that water providers design, construct and maintain systems to meet peak demand. Claremont’s system is thus larger and more costly. Maintenance costs also rise with increased consumption. Furthermore, La Verne charges other water-related fees that Claremont doesn’t, meaning the total cost of water service in La Verne is not fully reflected in rates.”
Smith, Rodney. Daily Bulletin 30 April 2013.