Sacramento's wacky water policy

Factual Questions
1

Sacramento has a flat rate for water use (at least for residential use). With no metering, it’s the same low price irrespective of consumption. Want to see a lawn that resembles a rice paddy? Move to Sacramento.

I’m new here so lack the historical perspective to completely understand the current state of affairs. Apparently, the lack of metering is in part due to a lack of meters (lots of old construction), in part a lack of political will, and in part a belief that the water used by Sacramentans runs rapidly back to the source, the Sacramento and American Rivers.

This explanation is far from wholly satisfying. Can someone illuminate?

2

The thread was falling off page two. Anyone with a lead on this?

3

This comes up every once in a while. I’m pretty sure the answer is that it wouldn’t be cost effective to install meters everywhere that need it, and requiring people to install their own meters would be a big blow to people living in older houses- especially the elderly. In drought years (and they will happen) they restrict things like lawn-watering. Sacramento might also see more water restrictions if the Auburn dam (which will divert water to Southern California) is constructed. But right now in non-drought years, Sacramento does have plenty of water to work with.