During this critical drought, we wondered how our state lawmakers are handling water cutbacks -- especially those involved with making water policy. The NBC4 ITeam partnered with the Center for Investigative Reporting to find out who are the water savers and water wasters. Here's how they stacked up statewide in 2013.
At the top of the list is Fresno City Councilman Oliver Baines, using a whopping 3,421 gallons of water per day, 9.5 times that of the average Californian. Baines blamed a sprinkler leak for his high water use. Not far behind Baines is another councilman, this one from Riverside. In both 2012 and 2013, Mike Soubirous used 1 million gallons of water or an average of 2,996 gallons each day. Soubirous told the KNBC4 ITeam that to cut back on his sprinkler use would mean that his expansive lawn would almost immediately turn brown. He's using 8.3 times the average amount of water.
Coachella Valley Water District Board President John Powell and Director Franz De Klotz both blamed gardeners for overwatering. And, fellow District Director Peter Nelson said his water usage is so high because his son's water polo team uses his pool.
Riverside Utilities Board member Andrew Walcker did show a 35 percent decrease from 2012 to 2013. Still, his usage puts him at five times that of the average Californian.
Here are the Top Ten Water Wasters in California:
1. Oliver Baines, Councilmember, Fresno City Council: 3,421 gallons per day (9.5 times the average amount used in California)
2. Mike Soubirous, Councilmember, Riverside City Council: 2,996 gallons per day (8.3 times the average amount used in California)
3. John Powell, Board President, Coachella Valley Water District: 1,808 gallons per day (5.01 times the average amount used in California)
4. Andrew Walcker, Riverside Utilities Boardmember: 1,799 gallons per day (4.98 times the average amount used in California)
5. Nick Ferguson, Riverside Utilities Boardmember: 1,791 gallons per day (4.96 times the average amount used in California)
6. Peter Nelson, Director, Coachella Valley Water District: 1,521 gallons per day (4.21 times the average amount used in California)
7. Randy Record, Metropolitan Water District, LA: 1,383 gallons per day (3.8 times the average amount used in California)
8. James Curatalo, Director, Cucamonga Valley Water District: 1,291 gallons per day (3.6 times the average amount used in California)
9. Franz De Klotz, Director, Coachella Valley Water District: 1,260 gallons per day (3.5 times the average amount used in California)
10. Paul Caprioglio, Fresno City Councilmember: 1,217 gallons per day (3.4 times the average amount used in California)
