Impact of Drought

Besides a few good, long drenchings, we need to establish a cooperative multiple-listing service to transfer water leases and water rights among high bidders, which apply water to areas of highest economic benefit.

Lazear aptly describes our situation: Residential-users water allotment at 8% of state usage with non-agribusiness using a similar amount.

Government agencies control everything. The Metropolitan Water District, 2,000 local water boards and combined regional boards form water policy. Water transfers are difficult; not a drop of water moves without agency direction and sometimes court approval.

Political influence, not gravity, moves water in California. The severe drought might be viewed as only a product of inefficient distribution system wasting past plentiful water resources.

The Times highlighted another good solution in your editorial “Cautious Wilson Dips Into Treacherous Water Wars” (Feb. 4) by calling for more underground water storage in the south. Our own San Gabriel Valley water basin is the largest of a small group of basin water tables that potentially could be managed for the economic benefit of the region. MWD staff has recently disclosed encouraging preliminary results on this subject.

The solutions are apparent to many, but the road to attainment is complex. Somehow, the current tangible pain will produce political movement.

R. WILLIAM ROBINSON

Director, Upper San Gabriel Valley

Municipal Water District

West Covina