save water and $180/year

"The loo concoction" as my dear British friend called it...

When my friend was making her round-the-world expedition, she stopped at my place for a few weeks to visit, take a break from youth hostels, and enjoy a more homey environment. Little did she know I was in super-conservation mode and short showers and reduced flushing would be part of the deal.

You see, I had found out about our city's low water usage program. If you use 2 CCFs or less of water per month, you can qualify for a lower rate, paying $20.20, instead of $35.50 a month for the minimum service charge. First you have to show low usage for four months, before your rate drops. With success in months 1-3, I wasn't going to let up in month 4 even with a visitor in the house. I met my goal and have been maintaining low usage since but had to stop into the water dept. today when I saw they kicked me back up to the higher rate. Turns out they have a new computer system and it was a mistake -- always good to check your bill!! I'm pleased to be saving $180/year and also learning to be more conservation-minded. Check out this high schooler's Minute to Save the Planet blog.

Does your city have a low-water usage program?

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