Ed Staley: We conserved our way into higher bills for Modesto water

Re “Council to consider steep increases in water rate for homes, businesses” (Page 1B, Aug. 4): The Bee says the “(city) council to consider steep increases in water rate for homes, businesses.” I have spent the past year saving orange juice containers and collecting the cold water from turning on the shower and the kitchen sink so I can water my trees and bushes with it. Mandated by the city of Modesto, who incidentally planted a “free tree” in my yard during the peak of the drought, to conserve water, I now will be paying more for my efforts.

In reality, conservation means they sell less water which means less money for those who make a living selling it. It applies to any commodity – gasoline, electricity, etc. Conservation means the customer will pay more. We are told they have to replace aging water mains and find new sources. Haven’t they always had to do that? Yes, the drought forced this on us because it has forced us to conserve. But I have another idea. Lower your overhead.

This story was originally published August 4, 2016 at 4:56 PM with the headline "Ed Staley: We conserved our way into higher bills for Modesto water."