A mixed group worked Monday on new rules for water use during droughts.
The state Department of Environment and Natural Resources had proposed a law that drew fire from almost everyone who tracks their own water usage. So state administrators, environmentalists, private water companies and the agriculture industry met to work on a compromise.
Already, farm interests have negotiated an exemption from having to register water use of less than 1 million gallons a day. Instead, they will report use in a confidential survey, which will be made available in aggregate form.
Local governments would be allowed to decide the measures they take to meet conservation goals, rather than having the state dictate them.
No legislative committee has debated the bill, and legislators have only a few weeks to work out the drought rules, depending on how long the budget process takes. (N&O)
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