Save water, but not too much?

During a presentation to the Vancouver City Council Monday about an expansion of water lines out to the east side of town, several councilors asked Public Works Director Brian Carlson about whether conservation would be the right way to go.

His response was interesting: Saving more water could cost rate payers more.

“Aggressive” moves could cut water use by 25 to 30 percent… but there’s still numerous fixed costs in delivering water through a series of pipes that need constant replacement or upgrades.

“It’s a hard message to sell: You did a great job on conservation – here’s your rate increase,” Carlson said.