In the January 28 edition of the Monterey County Weekly, you'll find an article about how GREENWISE is trying to get local municipalities to ease the permitting cost and setback requirements for water conservation systems (at least for a period of time). The foundation of our argument is that we are in the middle of a water crisis here in California, and we need significant stimuli, not barriers to water conservation.
For example, in the City of Monterey, rainwater tanks are treated as "accessory structures," and are therefore subject to a 5' minimum setback from the property line. This regulation effectively bars many homeowners from collecting rainwater on their property. It's a shame that government regulation does this, given that rainwater collection is an effective way to reduce potable water usage and manage stormwater runoff, both of which can help California solve its drought problem.
For example, in the City of Monterey, rainwater tanks are treated as "accessory structures," and are therefore subject to a 5' minimum setback from the property line. This regulation effectively bars many homeowners from collecting rainwater on their property. It's a shame that government regulation does this, given that rainwater collection is an effective way to reduce potable water usage and manage stormwater runoff, both of which can help California solve its drought problem.
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