Chuck Cross, Poway City Council Candidate, A New Voice for Poway

Water

Southern California is faced with a severe water crisis. This crisis is not caused by drought alone, but also by a continuing increase in population and the attending demand on our water supply.

Poway relies on the San Diego County Water Authority to provide this natural resource. And we pay the county for the water that fills Lake Poway, our water reservoir.

We need a long term solution to this problem and I see three areas where we can improve.

Conservation

The residents of Poway have set an outstanding example to the other San Diego water districts by reducing water usage 30% in response to this crisis. We need find ways to sustain usage at this level to endure this long term shortage.

Irrigation

Poway uses gray water from San Diego’s San Diego’s recycled water facility to irrigate landscape in some areas of Poway. We need to expand our gray water distribution system so we can use more of this resource. Residential gray water systems also save water. And we need to explore incentives and adjust regulations so these systems are attractive to property owners.

Production

Some property owners already produce their own water with wells. These wells are used for irrigation and livestock. And some provide potable water to the residence. We need to promote the construction and use of this resource to the capacity permitted by San Diego County’s Land and Water Quality Division.

And I support advanced water production by the county. Since fresh water is not available, we need to turn to the ocean and desalinization plants. This is a long term solution that helps the county become independent of imported water.

Until we find solutions, we need to work with those who abuse their water conservation responsibility so they become sensitive to this need and reduce their usage. I have heard many complaints of schools and other buildings watering during periods of rain and this must be managed. I also want a study on the possibility of a building moratorium, or at least a water connection moratorium that lasts until solutions are found for this crisis.

City in the Country

Continuing my strong support of Proposition FF, I will work to maintain Poway’s rural character by supporting our open spaces and holding construction within the strict guidelines of Poway’s general plan.  

This is my vision for Poway and I plan to live here a long, long time.

Ethics

Elected and employed officials must adhere to a higher standard than other citizens. As an elected official, I will use the influence of my office for the public good and I will adhere to the City of Poway’s Code of Ethics.