Inyo County Suits

Inyo County and Los Angeles took a big step toward peace in their long-running water war Friday, unveiling a new agreement to protect Owens Valley plant life and also allow Los Angeles to pump more ground water in some years. If finally approved, the plan could also soothe feelings about the decades-old presence of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in the high desert valley, east of the Sierra Nevada range about 230 miles north of the city line.

Inyo County and Los Angeles took a big step toward peace in their long-running water war Friday, unveiling a new agreement to protect Owens Valley plant life and also allow Los Angeles to pump more ground water in some years. If finally approved, the plan could also soothe feelings about the decades-old presence of the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power in the high desert valley, east of the Sierra Nevada range about 230 miles north of the city line.

In a landmark turnaround, the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power staff is proposing that water rates be raised during summer months to promote conservation, the first time the big municipal water agency has attempted such a permanent, long-range conservation program. Duane Georgeson, department assistant general manager for water, said the plan, which would take effect next year, is being proposed for two reasons.