Key Takeaways Tiered volumetric rates don’t necessarily promote conservation, and in some cases they can even discourage it. Don’t assume “industry ratemaking standards” will necessarily result in fair and equitable rates. A recent court ruling underscores the need to demonstrate the cost basis not only within each customer class but also within each tier.
Key Takeaways The need for water infrastructure investments is complicated by factors such as regulatory pressures, increased costs, and shifted hydrologic assumptions in a time of reduced public confidence. Avoiding conversations about the full cost of water services allows misinformation to fill the gap; water leaders need instead to explain hard truths with clarity and humility. Public trust must be earned, and acceptance of potable reuse reflects a community's trust in the institutions that promote the technology as safe.
