… One thing that I think would help to encourage “conservation as a way of life” would be to charge Palo Altans higher rates for excessive water use. Our rates, with only two tiers, are less progressive than those of surrounding water districts. We charge more for low water use and less for high water use. … People with large lots in Palo Alto tend to be wealthy, so charging them more for water may not do much when it comes to conservation. But at least we could then provide lower rates for lower-income households for more essential indoor water. And perhaps we could make more programs available for things like lawn conversions.
–Written by Palo Alto Online blogger Sherry Listgarten.