Developers May Face Hookup Moratorium

If mandatory water rationing is imposed on Palmdale residents this summer, developers will face a moratorium on water hookups for new construction, Palmdale Water District officials said.

Although water authorities said they do not expect to impose rationing because of heavy March rainfall, the pledge by the district’s board of directors Tuesday night was the first time a drought-inspired construction ban has been formally proposed in the housing-rich Antelope Valley.

“I for one will never vote for mandatory water rationing unless there is a moratorium on hookups at the same time,” said Director John Sidwell, drawing agreement from other water board members as they voted 4 to 0 to set up contingency plans for both.

The board’s decision drew support from residents who contend that water should be reserved for current rather than future homeowners and businesses. Developers, however, argued it was premature.