Editor:
There is often talk of water meters, or meters in general, every time there is a shortage. This does not work to reduce usage, but does add to the cities' costs, in multiple ways, which is ultimately born by the taxpayer.
Stories abound about folks who pay for water so they are going to use water, as if somehow having more than your neighbours gives you extra rights. Perhaps, in our system, it does. Those with plenty of money are not concerned about the fines.
I think that what really bothers folks is that the system we have actually requires us to participate in managing our shared resource. We all have to cut back when times are tough, and not just those who can’t afford it. We all have to pay attention to what our neighbours are doing and not just count on an official to do it for us. We all have to listen to this conversation every year — and can expect to do it more often and sooner as this world gets hotter and the water dries up.
I think it is a good thing that we need to talk about this. It is a good thing that we discuss this with our neighbours. It is good to ask your neighbours to follow the regulations. It is good to remind each other that we have a limited resource and we all need to work together.
We can practise now, during these times of limited restrictions, to prepare for times of increased ones.
James Christopherson
