Catalina residents face new water rate hike

Residents and businesses say that most of Edison’s expenditures have been exorbitant, unnecessary and a breach of the competitive bid process on the island where a sustainable, reasonably priced supply of water is critical to residents, property owners and development.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The historic Emerald Bay camp operated by the Boy Scouts of America’s Western Los Angeles County Council had been consuming more than 2.5 million gallons of water per year worth about $130,000 at current rates. The camp has cut water use by 30%.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Instructor Jackie Krone, 25, San Luis Obispo, rinses off with fresh water following a scuba class at the Emerald Bay camp.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Laundry director Kate Myers, 20, hangs the staff’s laundry to dry at the Emerald Bay camp.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Humberto Jimenez, 36, right, washes dishes at El Galleon in downtown Avalon. Southern California Edison Co. has increased the water rates by 300% over the last five years on Santa Catalina Island.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The Boy Scouts’ Emerald Bay camp serves more than 4,500 Boy Scout campers each summer.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

The scouts camp, canoe, scuba, snorkel and practice rescue diving on the west end of Catalina Island.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)

Hamilton Cove is located a mile and a half outside downtown Avalon.  (Francine Orr / Los Angeles Times)