Green Team weighs in on water

Despite a soggy winter and predictions of more rain this weekend, folks in the Crescenta Valley are anticipating additional water district rate increases and looking for ways to conserve that valuable liquid resource — water.

Ways to conserve water and save money on water bills will be discussed at a Community Green Gathering, planned from 7 to 9 p.m. on Wednesday at Sparr Heights Community Center, 1613 Glencoe Way, in north Glendale.

The event is co-sponsored by Glendale Water and Power and the Green Team, a group of Glendale and Crescenta Valley area moms concerned about the importance of preserving water and the environment.

Also featured at the Green Gathering will be representatives of local landscaping businesses and the Crescenta Valley Water District.

Creating the Green Team was “an amazing experience that changed my life,” said Cathy Schechter, one of the founders of the Green Team.

The group initially hosted a Green Tea Party, where dessert was served on fine china to avoid using disposable plates and cups. Discussion at the tea included ways to “go green,” such as composting table scraps, using environmentally safe cleaning products, reusable bags and other items, as well as encouraging neighbors to walk more and drive less. The event also included a talk on water use and a documentary shown about energy usage.

“The tea was a big hit,” Schechter said. Subsequent teas and less flashy Green Gatherings were given at the homes of friends and neighbors, Girl Scout meetings, churches, temples and other community group meetings.

“This one’s all about water,” Schechter said of Wednesday’s event. “It’s really important that we talk about water right now.”

A 14.9% water rate increase was projected this week by Metropolitan Water District, from which Crescenta Valley Water District purchases a chunk of its water. Crescenta Valley’s Water Board recently raised water rates after MWD’s 7.9% increase earlier this year.

The expected MWD increase would mean an increased cost to CVWD, which would pass that cost on to its customers, Christy Scott, program specialist for Crescenta Valley Water District, confirmed this week.

“Any time Metropolitan raises their rates we don’t have a choice. We don’t have a big reserve; we have to pay for the water somehow,” Scott said.

Scott plans to attend the Green Gathering and encourages residents also to plan ahead for Crescenta Valley Water District’s annual Water Awareness Day, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., on May 3 at 3730 Glenwood in La Crescenta.