Posted by Ms. Bunny, a resident of San Ramon, on Jun 16, 2011 at 9:26 am

Well it is frustrating, with all utilities having increased and increasing, over the next two years. I realize it could be worse. The irony for me, is that I pulled up my laws and installed artificial grass AND replanted with all drought tolerant vegetation. I installed a drip system of irrigation in both yards as well. Then I purchased new washer and dryer, high end energy savers recommended. Placed water flow devices on both bathrooms - all fixtures and still, I feel like I'm paying for heavier users who haven't done a thing; water being siffoned to other areas; and absolutely no deduction for decreasing water use SUBSTANTIALLY.

Posted by Roz Rogoff, the San Ramon Observer, on Jun 16, 2011 at 4:53 pm
Roz Rogoff is a member (registered user) of San Ramon Express

Ms. Bunny,

It's not you and it isn't even the big water users. Water and Sewer Districts are required to cover their expenses. They can't make a profit, but they can't lose money either. Their source of income, for the most part, are the fees they charge their customers. If the amount of use goes down, and they don't have new users to bill, they must increase their prices to cover their expenses.

East Bay MUD prices are tiered, so if you reduce your water use enough, your rates will drop into the lowest tier and the price will be less than the high-volume user. So it's the water wasters who help keep your prices down.

Roz