Water and Sewer

[panamaniac]

I think there will be the usual groans from those who always claim to be tapped out, but I would hope that most people will understand that our water and sewage infrastructure must be kept in good condition.  Unless there is a clear link to water conservation, I'm not sure I see the logic of a tiered pricing system.

I honestly think the people who are closest to tapped out never hear their groans heard. I know the types you mean, and they don't usually seem to be the people who need or care to keep their consumption near the minimum. But I really do think most people understand the need.

Supposedly there is a link between tiered pricing and conservation. But I've also read evidence suggesting that it doesn't work nearly as well as usually expected.

I personally find the equity argument much more compelling. It seems incorrect to charge a litre of water used for cooking or cleaning by a low-income household at the same price as a litre of water used to water a lawn.

Yes, after my post, I thought about it and I could see an argument for charging more for, say, filling your swimming pool than for flushing your toilet.  I guess it's a matter of where the tiers are set.