Peter Kuchinsky II Vista Irrigation Director Division 3 Candidate on Nov 8.
On August 26, the San Diego County Water Authority (SDCWA) released its 2022 Public Opinion Survey. This survey assists the SDCWA and its 24 member agencies, including Vista Irrigation District (VID), to gain more knowledge about San Diego residents and ratepayers attitudes on water issues.
As your Vista Irrigation Director for Division 3 and candidate for election on November 8th, I want to share a few of the Survey’s findings, along with my thoughts and proposed actions for consideration by Vista Irrigation District.
Survey: 96% responded that a reliable water supply is essential for quality of life, with
95% stating a reliable supply is essential for a healthy economy. Most surveyed (88%) agree that it is a civic duty to use water efficiently. Almost two-thirds (66%) feel they can do “a little more” or “much more” to conserve.
Action: I agree. Water use, awareness and conservation are a responsibly for every individual. To promote these ideas, I will work to improve VID’s efforts in conservation education, messaging and reminders through community events, social media and partnering with schools, City and Chamber. My three top priorities, as your
Director, are maintaining a reliable water supply, high water quality and affordable costs. These are the foundation for our quality of life and healthy economy.
Survey: 81% of respondents agreed that California is experiencing drought conditions, with 53% stating that the current drought is more severe than in the past. 79% expressed concerned about statewide drought conditions.
Action: I will continue to support local, regional, and statewide efforts to reduce the dependence on imported water through increased storage, water reuse, groundwater recharge and desalination. These investments are needed to maintain our quality of life and a healthy economy. One fact is extremely clear, California will never to be able to conserve its way out of its water issues.
Survey: Concerning water reliability, 63% trust local water agencies to ensure a reliable water supply, with 51% of respondents expect the reliability of water supplies to become worse in the near future.
Action: These numbers show that more can be done to improve trust and confidence among ratepayers. Challenges with water supplies along with an increasing dry climate and drought will impact all our life’s now and in the future. I will continue to fully explore all feasible solutions to increase storage, improve local supplies, or reduce dependency on imported water, both locally and regionally.
As your Board member, I will seek out resources and financial assistance to assist with facility improvements, promote education and outreach, and support ratepayers’ efforts to install water efficient devices and appliances.
I fully support the statement made by SDCWA General Manager Sandra L. Kerl on August 16, 2022. “Investments by San Diego County residents in other water sources and storage facilities will continue to shield the region from the worst effects of the drought. At the same time, the potential for mandated water-use reductions should inspire every San Diegan to decrease their water use, for instance, by taking shorter showers, reducing irrigation of decorative grass, and upgrading to efficient appliances.”
These are just a few of my thoughts. I would love to continue this discussion and welcome your feedback and ideas. Reach out to me as your VID Board Member at Peter.Kuchinsky@vistawater.org or as your candidate for the Division 3 seat on November 8th at Kuchinsky4VIDWater@gmail.com
For full results SDCWA 2022 Public Opinion Survey go to: www.sdcwa.org/publications/. Search under “public opinion research.”
