“Why does the city allow contractors at the various construction sites in Gilroy to use potable water from fire hydrants in dust mitigation? Since we are in a drought, it would make water conservation sense for them to use the treated non-potable water from the waste treatment plant instead.
I understand the City of Gilroy does use treated water for watering the grass at various parks in the community, so why not require contractors to use the treated water and not our precious, fresh drinking water?”
Red Phone:
Red Phone discovered that the City of Gilroy allows contractors to use potable water from fire hydrants simply because there are no hydrants set up to use recycled water, according to City Operations Manager David Stubchaer. He added that recycled water belongs to the Santa Clara Valley Water District—which charges for its use—and some developments may not be near those water lines either.
“Having to go across town to get a load of water increases the number of truck trips on local streets, which may not be appreciated by the general public,” Stubchaer said.
But take note, good caller: The City is working with the Water District and developers to someday use recycled water, not treated water suitable to drink, to tamp down dust during construction.
“We are definitely pursuing this and working to get this accomplished, but it will take some time,” Stubchaer said.
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