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Conserving Water Contributes To Rake Hike Proposal

March 13, 2010

By Dave Roberts (WICHITA, Kan.)

You've probably heard conserving water is good for the environment and it also lowers your monthly bill. But those supposedly good habits could now cost you more.

The city says the Wichita Water Utilities Department miscalculated how much water people were going to be using.

"The water department had provided and based their budget on an inaccurate water sales figure, something maybe 60 million gallons a day," city councilor Jim Skelton said. But the city actually used closer to 50 million gallons a day, which meant there was less revenue coming in. How much less revenue? About $7.5 million.

So to make up for that shortfall, the city is considering raising their water rates by fifteen percent, and Wichitans are confused by the proposal.

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"I purchased the more water efficient washer, that doesn't use as much water and I've got a sprinkler system that detects when there's been rain," said Tracy Ballard. She says she pays close attention to how much water she uses.

"You're doing what you're supposed to be doing for the environment and everything, that they want to start charging you more so you're paying more for less!," she added.

The city has yet to vote on the proposal.

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