In an effort to further reduce water use, San Antonio Water System (SAWS) proposed a new rate structure to the City Council on Wednesday that would penalize high-volume users while rewarding those who use less. The new rate structure will reduce rates for normal households, using 7,000-8,000 gallons per month, while increasing rates for the top 7% of all users by 13.8%. SAWS is hoping that the change will impact behavior, causing high users to use less.  Saved water can reduce the need for a utility to find new supply or build new infrastructure, which can be very expensive. 

Last November, Austin implemented a long awaited fifth tier for customers using more than 25,000 gallons a month. Unfortunately, many Texas cities do not have a conservation oriented rate structure. Hopefully, these cities can learn a lesson from their neighbors as an effective way to save money and save water.