Monday, May 18, 2009 | I received my notice today requiring a 10 percent drop in water consumption or face penalties in the form of higher water rates. I am all for conserving, however, why are our city governments and elected officials failing us here? Why have they not limited new housing which I am sure would contribute to the shortage? They continue to pile up housing permit fees and then tell us to cut back or pay. If you started conserving water before this current shortage you will be paying extra just to keep up. Isn’t there a law that prohibits building when adequate resourses, like water, are unavailable? The cities and San Diego County should be held accountable.