Getting 'Hosed' By The Drought

[Tulemutt]

Originally Posted by expatCA

Oh, I agree. It was kinda left handed way to ask how the customer benefits if they pay more and get less. Utilities have the same level of work regardless, but why do they get more for less product then? Actual water use has minimal impact on the revenue especially as they rise in price is on use at a level that is below the normal use, which normally calls for a set cost in any case. In other words they are making the same amount as they did last year but now get more money for the same level of work?Very few the last few years have used an abundance of water.

??? It costs the same to deliver 50 gallons of water as it does to deliver 100. You're not paying for the water really. You're paying for the service required to get it. Which remains almost the same regardless of the amount. Yet now there is reduced revenue because the billings are based on quantity deliver rather than a flat fee.

Less revenue means rate increase is required to maintain whatever level of service.

[expatCA]

Originally Posted by LoriBee62

Tule, there's only one trickle down I associate with beer drinking. Ironically, it uses quite a bit of water if you flush. So I guess in terms of water conservation, cutting back on beer is a win/win.

That is not a trickle down it is a tinkle down.

Now for recycling, any bush or tree would benefit. Dogs have known this for centuries.

[Ultrarunner]

Funny thing... many areas of the State had no water meters and charged at flat rate for service... some parts of Sacramento and also areas in Tahoe that I know.

The State passed a law that all water must be metered... it has been a big hardship on certain districts... especially Tahoe... digging up streets, setting meters that can be difficult to read in the winter... it has also changed water usage... I guess you could say it has encouraged more conservation than envisioned which has caused another problem...

Under the flat rate... most were happy... many used very little water... especially cabins and such and knew paying for water not used was on them... because the place was empty much of the year... under the metered service many are becoming resentful because they go months not using a drop and still see $180 water bills...