Taxes, fees urged to improve quality of drinking water
FRESNO, Calif. (AP) — California water officials are urging state lawmakers to create a new source of funding by implementing some new taxes and fees so that communities with high levels of nitrates in their drinking water can build and operate safe water systems.
In a report released on Wednesday, the State Water Resources Control Board recommended a point-of-sale fee on agricultural commodities, a fertilizer tax, or a water use fee from residents to offset the costs of new water systems.
A study released last March found that more than 1 million people in California's agricultural heartland rely on raw drinking water sources, with registered nitrate levels exceeding the standard.
Many communities blend or treat their water. But about one in 10 of the people rely on untreated groundwater.
Chemical fertilizers and livestock manure are a main source of contamination. A fertilizer tax would generate between $20 million and $36 million per year.
In a report released on Wednesday, the State Water Resources Control Board recommended a point-of-sale fee on agricultural commodities, a fertilizer tax, or a water use fee from residents to offset the costs of new water systems.
A study released last March found that more than 1 million people in California's agricultural heartland rely on raw drinking water sources, with registered nitrate levels exceeding the standard.
Many communities blend or treat their water. But about one in 10 of the people rely on untreated groundwater.
Chemical fertilizers and livestock manure are a main source of contamination. A fertilizer tax would generate between $20 million and $36 million per year.
people wake up.this is just enother tax.tell you what.just dont buy flouride and use that money to do whatever.because its not about that.its about poisoning us flouride is so bad for you.plus they use it to gas all the produce we eat and grain cyloes.and tooth paste.mouth wash.and who knows whatelse.so you really think they are doing this for you.if they cared about your health they wouldnt put flouride in are water supply.how can you regulate it some drink way more water than others.and hot showers it streams right through your pours.more than drinking it wake up people    http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4UTSEd7u6Yk&feature=player_detailpage