>Last year we had such a huge drought that anyone caught not conserving water was given a large fine. The water companies threatened to start charging unreasonable rates for anyone using more than a specified amount each month. Newscasts and even the governor were often on tv instructing everyone to be responsible and conserve water.
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>So far this year, it has been mentioned on the news several times that even though we've received rain this year, we may still be in a drought situation this summer. That sent a signal to everyone to continue conserving water.
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>Today, the news reported that water companies are raising rates because customers are conserving so much that there is not enough funds to support operations.
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>http://www.wral.com/news/local/story/4758912/

Before the end of your first sentence I had a deja vu as big as an eighteen wheeler: exactly the same story played out in Charlottesville 2002. Carwash operations were shut down for almost a month - probably receiving some compensation from insurance - and you could be fined for watering a lawn. Then they had to raise the prices to keep up with the costs and low sales. The water company belonged to the county, IIRC, but outsourced billing to some shady outfit in Florida.