Whoops! Drought

According to this story, east Bay Area (NorCal) water supplies are below seasonal averages and supply is below demand. They are talking about rationing and (yay!) higher prices to try to reduce quantity demanded.

Bottom Line: As I have said numerous times, the best way to fight a shortage is to increase prices, but the price increases must be substantial -- 100-500 percent, minimum. (These prices are increasing block rate, i.e., for using more than the cheap, "basic" volume of water.)

Addendum from another story:

"I got a letter saying our rates are going up, and if you want to protest, write a letter," said David Gelfuso, a Moorpark resident. "Ordinarily I wouldn't do that, but for some reason, that day I thought, I don't want to spend any more.'"

Gelfuso said he spends about $100 a month on water for his home and small yard. His bill stayed about the same through the latest increase, because he cut his usage by about 10 percent.

"I understand, I guess," he said. "It's a good explanation — everything's getting more expensive."

Please shout Mr. Gelfuso's wisdom in the ear of every water manager you know -- PEOPLE USE LESS WHEN PRICES GO UP!