Statement of the Association of California Water Agencies Regarding Governor Davis' Announcement to Delay MTBE Ban

    SACRAMENTO, Calif.--March 15, 2002--The Association of California Water Agencies (ACWA) strongly disagrees with the Governor's decision to delay the ban on MTBE by one year. The use of MTBE in gasoline was due to be phased out by the end of 2002.
    ACWA believes that delaying the ban by even one more day is another opportunity for MTBE to find its way into another community's water supplies. Given the choice between the continued use of MTBE use or protection of our water supplies and water quality, we believe the public would put the safety of their water supply first.
    MTBE has caused the contamination and closure of dozens of drinking water wells throughout the state, affecting the water supply for thousands of Californians. Areas impacted include South Lake Tahoe, Santa Monica, San Jose, Sacramento, Cambria, Kern County as well as other locations. In just the last six months, two distinct and separate MTBE contamination events have occurred impacting the City of Santa Paula and the United Water Conservation District, both which deliver drinking water to residents in Southern California.
    ACWA understands the Governor's concerns regarding gasoline supply and the potential for price spikes, however the Association fears the extension of time will allow more drinking water supplies to be contaminated by MTBE. Absent a commitment of federal and state funds to clean up this pollution, water ratepayers will be unfairly saddled with the costs.
    MTBE contamination will result in millions of dollars in water treatment, cleanup and replacement water costs. These costs will continue to mount as long as MTBE remains in gasoline and is allowed to find its way into water sources.
    ACWA and its 440 public water agency members have been argent supports of eliminating MTBE and all other oxygenates from California's gasoline based on the University of California finding that none are needed to meet clean air requirements.
    ACWA is a statewide association whose 440 members are responsible for about 90% of the water delivered in California. For more information, visit www.acwanet.com.