Hi, I am hoping someone out there might have some experience in this area, or could point me to some research. There was a proposed change in the water rate structure last year here in Maui County; it didn't pass but I think they are still considering it. I was wondering if this has been implemented elsewhere and if it was deemed to be an effective strategy to drive water conservation, or if there were any rebound effects observed with water rates returned to 'normal' following drought conditions.
Thanks in advance!
-Liz
Liz Foote
Legally we can't impose punitive rates in CA. They have to be tied to the actual program costs of providing water, so I doubt the rates will go down. However, we have to get to that post-drought stage before we find out. It is looking more likely that we will have more stringent drought measures in the coming months.
John Brooks
Sr. Analyst
City of Thousand Oaks
United States
www.toaks.org/GoGreen