We did what we were told...

...and now we have to pay.

As most people who pay attention know, the southeast part of this country has been in a very serious drought for about 3 years. At one point last year, the water supply in Lake Lanier was estimated in days, and there were only 2 digits in that estimate. The water levels in all of the lakes were at double digit lows compared to normal pool levels. Everyone went into water saving mode. All of the government agencies screamed and hollered, telling everyone to stop using water outside, cut your water use, stop using water, they placed very restrictive bans on water use. Our county, Fulton County, actually sent out a letter, that told us if we did not cut our water use, we could face fines and penalties followed by a higher water service charge for delinquents. So we did what we were told.



We stopped watering the plants, and many died, or did not bloom at all this spring. I stopped washing the cars, and it is showing, the paint on both cars is looking pretty sad, and the cars stay in a state of filth, not seen since the days of Pigpen. I replaced all of our toilets, with low flow toilets, that save about 1/2 gallon of water every time they get flushed. We have even gone so far now as to buy a new washer and dryer, a washer that uses less than 25% of the water used by our old one. All in an effort to save water, because I do understand the severity of the situation. But last night, I got pissed.

The small city newspaper, had a front page article, stating that Fulton County was going to have to raise the price on water and sewer service. And guess what the number one reason why was...wait for it...less consumption, means less money coming in and they can't meet the budget numbers. I was floored. I nearly blew a gasket. They had the nerve, the courage, to tell us that the 15% increase in fees was due to less consumption, something they forced on us. Who do they think they are? This is insane, I would gladly go back to watering my yard, washing my cars and carrying on life as it was before their restrictions, and would be happy to pay for the water I use, but to charge me more because I used less, just like you said, that is just theft in my opinion.

There is a public hearing on the issue in December, and I think I am going to go. At least try to voice my opinion. Because if no one complains, we will get walked on by those in charge.