The Web Page of Kristopher Linquist

Here's a letter I'm going to drop off with my HOA management this morning:

To Whom It May Concern:
As you are likely aware, I received a warning for washing my motorcycle on October 7th, 2008. I would simply like to express my thoughts on this issue.

Prior to moving into the << >> townhouse community, I read through all of the CC&Rs to ensure washing of vehicles was allowed. Having this freedom, along with a two car garage, is what made me chose my home on Meadowmont Dr.

My wife and I (the only occupants of our home) are very energy conscious as a whole. As a self-proclaimed technology geek, I have installed home automation and power monitoring devices throughout my home, which allows me to better control my electricity usage. We have newer EnergyStar appliances and have always been very frugal water users, understanding that we live in what is essentially a desert state. We have even placed bricks in our toilet tanks and adjusted the float to reduce the amount of water used per flush.

I am also an avid motorsports fanatic. I teach car control clinics to teens and adults as well as running the autocross racing program for the Bay Area chapter of the BMW Car Club of America. It’s always been important to me to keep my vehicles well maintained which includes keeping them as clean as possible.

I was disappointed in July when I read the notice that vehicle washing was being disallowed. The notice stated that the water used for landscaping would be reduced but would have to be carefully monitored since it affects property values. Keeping my vehicles clean and maintained also affects my property values. While I appreciate the association’s efforts to provide information on local car washes that use reclaimed water, I refuse to use them because of that fact – those as obsessive as I am understand that reclaimed water is never as clean as fresh water. Since the restriction has been in place, my wife and I have used a local hand wash car service regularly ($30) to try and get results similar to the hand washing that I used to do outside my garage. My motorcycle, however, is not accepted at car washes and cannot be pressure washed due to the exposed electronics. While a simple microfiber towel and “quick detailer spray” is enough to keep it clean in most situations, it was quite muddy after my recent 1300 mile ride and needed to be lightly washed.

I know the Santa Clara Valley Water District has imposed a voluntary 10% water reduction on residents of the county. I can also appreciate the townhouse association participating in this reduction since it saves a precious natural resource as well as money that can be used for other community needs. Since there are no individual meters on each home, I understand that restricting vehicle and home exterior washing is both a free and easily enforceable method to save water.

I enjoy being part of a community and want all of my neighbors and townhouse association board members to be happy to have me a part of it. I apologize for my violation and will not violate the policy again.

I would, however, like to suggest a possible solution:

First, I use approximately 12 gallons of water to wash my car – I’ve measured this by timing how long it takes to fill my 5 gallon bucket (which I fill each time I wash my car) and adding the time the spigot is on for pre-wetting and rinsing the car as well as washing my wheels. In comparison, an average dishwasher uses 15 gallons, a top-load washing machine uses 40 gallons, and a shower uses 2.5 gallons per minute. While washing a vehicle does not use an insignificant amount of water, greater amounts can be saved elsewhere. I prefer the freedom to self-monitor and conserve.

Water in San Jose costs $2.227 for every 748 gallons used. 12 gallons of water has a cost of less than 4 cents.

I propose that the << >> Homes Association offers residents the ability to purchase a monthly vehicle wash permit. Residents could sign the application also agreeing to monitor their own water use and reduce their overall usage (including vehicle washing) by 10%. Once approved, the permit could be a brightly colored piece of paper which must be placed on the vehicle dash or outside-facing window during washing, so other residents, management, and security could continue to enforce the CC&Rs and temporary provisions on which the HOA votes. I would be willing to pay $10/mo for a permit that allowed me to wash two vehicles every two weeks. This would save me money by allowing me to wash my vehicles at home and would cover the water cost – fifty times over! To reduce paperwork and logistics, you could offer permits on a 3, 6, or 12-month basis only.

Regardless of the board’s ongoing decisions, I am willing to volunteer my time to assist in any community issues. Please do not hesitate to call me if I can help with anything.