City of La Palma

Orange County's water supply comes from a blend of groundwater managed by Orange County Water District (OCWD) and imported water from Northern California and the Colorado River via Municipal Water District of Orange County (MWDOC) through Metropolitan Water District of Southern California (MWDSC).

The groundwater basin spans 350 square miles under north and central Orange County, from Irvine to the LA County border and from Yorba Linda to the Pacific Ocean. More than 20 cities and retail water districts draw from this basin to serve residential and commercial customers.

Orange County's Water Future
As water demand increases statewide, we must become more conscientious about our water supply and maximize this valuable resource. OCWD and MWDOC work together to evaluate innovative water management programs including water recycling, wetlands development, recharge facility construction, ocean and brackish water desalination, surface storage, and conservation initiatives.

Water Contaminant Information
Water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and wells. As water travels over land or through ground layers, it dissolves natural minerals and sometimes radioactive material, and can pick up substances from animal and human activities.

Potential contaminants include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment, septic systems, livestock, and wildlife
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or oil/gas production and mining
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential uses
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, urban runoff, and septic systems
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial/domestic wastewater, oil/gas production, and agriculture

Water Fluoridation
In December 2007, MWDSC joined many public water suppliers in adding fluoride to drinking water to prevent tooth decay. Following recommendations from the Division of Drinking Water and CDC, MWDSC adjusted the natural fluoride level in imported treated water from the Colorado River and State Water Project to the optimal range of 0.6-1.2 parts per million. La Palma's local water is not supplemented with fluoride, and state regulations limit maximum fluoride to 2 parts per million.

1. Are there any federal or state incentives available?
   There's a 30% federal tax credit available until December 31, 2019. This decreases to 26% in 2020 and 22% in 2021, with no federal tax credit in 2022. Visit the Database of State Incentives for Renewables & Efficiency for more information. Currently, no state incentives are offered.
2. Can I pay my taxes through automated ACH?
   Yes, forms are available at the Treasurer's Office and online. You can set up one-time or recurring automatic ACH deductions for your tax payments through the Bill Payment Enrollment Form for Property Taxes.
3. Can I register to vote by mail?
   Yes. Individuals under 65 who register by mail must vote in person the first time they vote. When using the State of Michigan Mail-in Voter Registration form, please follow all instructions, particularly those for First Time Michigan Voters.
4. Do I need photo ID to vote at the polls?
   Every Michigan voter must show photo identification or sign an affidavit stating they don't have photo ID. Ballots cannot be issued without either photo identification or a signed affidavit.
5. Do I need to re-register before each election?
   No. Michigan voter registration is permanent as long as you maintain your registered address. If you move within Meridian Township, notify the Township Clerk's Office within 60 days. If you move outside Meridian Township, you must register in your new community.
6. Does Meridian Township have a dog leash law?
   Yes. According to Chapter 54, Article 37: Dogs and pets are allowed in parks unless posted otherwise. Any dog in a park must be on a leash of six feet or less and under immediate control by a capable person. Pet owners must immediately remove and properly dispose of all dog waste. No dogs or pets are allowed in public buildings, with exceptions for guide, service, or leader dogs as defined in Michigan law.
7. Is solar energy viable in Michigan?
   Research from the National Renewable Energy Lab indicates Michigan could generate 45.9% of its current electricity sales from rooftop photovoltaic systems, making solar a viable option despite common misconceptions about Michigan's climate.
8. What happens to my solar investment if I move?
   According to The Appraisal Journal, homes with PV systems sell at a premium, averaging $14,329 (3.7% of the average home sale price). This suggests homeowners can recover their investment when selling their property.
9. What is a Charter Township?
   Meridian Township is a Charter Township, governed under Michigan Constitution Article VII, §18. Michigan townships are statutory units with powers expressly provided by state law. They must perform assessment management, tax collection, and elections management, and may choose to provide additional services like ordinance enforcement, planning, zoning, fire/police protection, cemeteries, parks, and recreation.