Comment Submissions - The Human Right to Water in California

On July 28, 2010, the UN General Assembly recognized that access to clean water is a fundamental human right and that denying access to clean water and sanitation would inhibit one's ability to realize all other human rights. In California, almost 9 years later, there are still more than 1 million residents without access to potable water. Many in these communities are often subject to antiquated infrastructure, rate increases, and severe circumstances during drought periods, which are projected to grow in frequency and severity in light of anthropomorphic climate changes. Several political leaders in California recognize the urgency to ensure that our most vulnerable communities have access to clean water even in times of drought. I applaud Senator Hertzberg for introducing SB 606, however, this is just a baseline for conservation and drought contingency planning. SB 4, a lifeline bill that would have given water to those who need it in dire circumstances, was unanimously voted down by the states' heterogenous water agencies, who did not want to be responsible for funding the project. As a concerned citizen and public health advocate, I am looking forward to vote "yes" on future propositions that tax residents a nominal fee and ensure a baseline of water even in drought. Additionally, policies that move small, rural water agencies in the right direction, advancing outdated systems and infrastructure. California is a powerful state that the rest of country looks up to for environmental standards, public health, and innovation. Let's get this right. Water is life and life is precious.