Lower water consumption cost us, more?

We as Americans have not always been so wasteful. In fact, we used to recycle just about everything from scrap metal to wool and everything in between. When the first paper cup was produced and sold as a way to prevent disease from public water barrels with a common tin cup, most people were happy. Those who could afford them were thrilled to not share germs with the rest of the public. Others saw it only as a way for the affluent to avoid contact with the poor. When the first plastic cups used in vending machines were introduced, people had a tendency to keep and wash them. We had to be convinced that it was OK to throw them away, as that was the whole idea.

Today there is a shift away from disposable products and in general, we are more conservative with our resources such as water and oil. I find it interesting that fuel prices typically go up as consumption increases, while the opposite is true for water prices.

Here in South Florida we have been under water restrictions for some time due to the lower water levels of lake Okeechobee. There are two reasons for this. First off we have had below average rainfall for the past three years. Second, the levees around the lake need to be reinforced causing some water to be turned to tide to keep levels low to prevent possible flooding from a failed levee.

As a result we can only water our lawns twice a week, so less water is consumed. This has forced local water utilities to raise their pricing to make up for shortfalls in their budgets caused by, you guessed it, a lower volume of sales. As far as gasoline is concerned, there will be forced consumption by virtue of higher taxes to be placed on that commodity.

So that’s the message America, conservation of resources by either means cost us big time. It’s kind of like balancing the budget on the backs of the poor. Sucks to be poor.