“Our
water bill is high,” announced Mike in February. “Are you doing more laundry? Are you doing
anything differently?” I didn’t think so.
When
the water bill came in March, he was a little more insistent in his complaint.
“What are we doing that makes our water bill roughly one-third higher than last
year?”
Well,
I thought and thought but couldn’t come up with a reason. I had tried to
shorten my showers, to pack a few more dishes into the dishwasher before
running it, and to combine loads of laundry. When one is already doing what one
can to conserve, it’s difficult to do more.
The
high water bills remained baffling. The water utility found no leaks on the
property and had no suggestions.
So,
I finally settled down to think it out. What was different this year
over last? Hmmmm. Last year Mike worked through tax season. AND – it
suddenly dawned on me – when he worked he went to the
gym. AND – he took his shower at the gym. THAT’S IT!!! He
took his shower at the gym instead of at home. Add to that the extra flushes
of the commode, washings of hands and other incidental water usage related to
being at home and we could surely account for the increase. KW
Hmm, so it wasn't your fault! :-) Up here, the cost of water is doubled by the city in the summer and it's a blow to many people's budget. Lots of yards are just left to dry up. The trouble with that is that trees are dying because they get no water when people stop watering. I'm glad we have our own well, even if it costs a bundle every ten or twelve years. Dan says it's still cheaper than paying town rates.
ReplyDeleteSo good when it's not my fault!
ReplyDeleteCommunities need to come up with viable water solutions so that we don't lose our trees, I think.
Years ago neighbors made an issue of having to water the parking strip. Of course, the city refused to help, so they ripped out the grass and put in two raised beds which they filled with annuals. Never was sure they were ahead on that or that the raised beds were aesthetic. But, people are looking for options and you can't blame them.