Measuring Their Worth: What “Weights and Measures” Mean to California

“Every penny counts” may be an old quote, but it rings just as true today.  The average price of gasoline has shot up to over $4.00 per gallon again.  Plenty of people will do the math and maybe drive a little farther to get a good deal at the gas pump.  But what if the dispenser isn’t accurate or the premium gas you pumped is only regular (87) octane?  That could turn a good deal into a bad purchase.  How do you know you’re getting what you pay for?

Fortunately for Californians, there are some very efficient programs and people at the Department of Food and Agriculture’s Division of Measurement Standards (online at www.cdfa.ca.gov/dms/) to make this happen.  The men and women of weights and measures, both at the state and county levels, work mostly behind the scenes in such seamless fashion as to be virtually transparent.  In honor of this system that allows consumers to take for granted that they get what they pay for, Governor Brown has declared March 1-7 2012 as Weights and Measures Week in California.

It is not hyperbole to state that our system of weights and measures affects the lives of every Californian.  It is impossible to go through a day and not be affected by this oversight and protection.  Almost every purchase or sale we make centers on a product or service measured by length, volume, weight, or count.  Imagine buying groceries and having to wonder if the scale is accurate or if the statement on a package is correct.  In California, dedicated officials are there to ensure fairness in commercial transactions between buyer and seller, instilling confidence in the marketplace.

It is estimated that $500 billion annually in goods and services throughout California involve a transaction that includes some form of measurement regulated by weights and measures officials.  Without their vigilant oversight, a mere one percent shift would impact California by $5 billion – an amount equal to about $130 per Californian each year.

Yet, the protection offered by our 300 or so state and county weights and measures officials costs each resident only $1.25 a year. When every penny counts, that’s an excellent investment.