HCSD customer asks Julie Ryan, Alan Bongio, Gregg Gardiner…

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Conservation: water & power

Is conserving water important in the future of the water district? Or, conversely, is water availability not really our problem? Please detail any conservation plans if you have them. And, what role can energy conservation and alternative, on-site power sources play in customers’ future?

— HCSD customer

Response

Julie Ryan

Hello HCSD Customer, 

 

Thank you for your question. You know that old saying, “Think globally, act locally”? Conserving water and using resources wisely is absolutely “our responsibility”. That is exactly what inspired me to become a candidate for the Humboldt Community District Services Board (HCSD).  

 

Currently HCSD provides water, sewer, and streetlight services to the unincorporated hamlets outside of Eureka city limits. There are 30,000 Community Services Districts (CSD’s)  in California; they are local government agencies that are formed to provide essential services that are not provided by a city or county government. Other CSD’ throughout the state provide various combinations of services: parks and recreation, fire departments, libraries,water recycling and open space conservation, and environmental technology innovation and implementation. 

 

I first learned about global warming aka climate change in middle school. Now the impacts of climate change are on our doorstep in the forms of more intense and severe wildfires and the recent destruction of hurricane Ian.  

 

I do have a plan and vision. 

 

Keep doing the things that are working right: continue to support the hard work and diligence of the HCSD staff who are finding and repairing leaks to prevent water loss. 

 

Collaboration: In order to protect water quality, we need to protect watershed resources,I would like to build relationships with other agencies in addition to the Humboldt Bay Municipal Water District and the city of Eureka with whom we share sewer infrastructure. In addition to governmental organizations, I see an opportunity to work respectfully and collaboratively with local tribes, non-profits, and educational institutions towards shared goals.

 

Climate change planning: Drought and sea level rise are already impacting the west coast. Wetland protection and restoration efforts are key in order to increase coastal capacity for flood and sea level mitigation. Protecting the Mad River (Baduwa’t) watershed is key to ensuring adequate clean water for families, food production, and fire fighting. 

 

Education and conversation: It is important to be open to learning so that  we can make thoughtful well researched decisions as a community. 

 

Incentives: Find ways to incentivize conservation. 

Appropriate Technology: Implementing the use of renewable technology like wind and solar, a microgrid(s) could be used to offset the cost of providing street lighting and serve as a backup power source should the King Salmon power plant be unable to perform in “ Island mode”. 

 

As much as I would like to believe that futuristic “Star Trek” technology will come along and save us, I  think the reality is that a multifaceted approach that manifests as many solutions will yield better long term results.

 

Thank you for your question, 

 

Julie 

 

Julie Ryan for Humboldt Community Services District

julie4hcsd@gmail.com

www.facebook.com/JulieRyan4HCSD

P.O. Box 6627

Eureka CA 95502

 

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