Back in the fall we suggested a pricing strategy for conserving water in Raleigh (Water conservation follow up). The Mayor and other leaders, somewhat surprisingly, ignored our suggestions. Now, their preferred policy of water usage bans and fines are getting old (Weather will test water ban):
Four months into mandatory water restrictions for the city's water customers, some are getting antsy, especially as the weather gets warmer. ... Car lovers wonder why they can't wash their cars at home. Sprinklers are pulled out during forbidden hours.
The article provides some anecdotal evidence of the effects of command and control regs:
...the city's mandatory water restrictions don't let [Judy] Austin use the power-washing equipment she shares with a friend. They allow only professional power-washers to do the work. When Austin asked for an estimate, the answer was $1,000.
"Why would we want to do that when we share a powerwasher?" asked Austin, a program coordinator for N.C. State University.
...
Car lovers wonder why they can't wash their cars at home. Sprinklers are pulled out during forbidden hours.
With higher prices for incremental increases in water (i.e., the current low prices for levels of water use consistent with drinking water, doing laundry, etc., and then higher prices for the water guzzlers) these folks can decide for themselves whether a powerwash, a carwash and a watered lawn are worth it.
And here is some advice for Ms. Austin. Consider the cost of using your own powerwasher:
The City Council decided Tuesday to maintain the city's water restrictions. That includes $200 fines for first-time violators. They skyrocket to $1,000 for second offenses. ... The city has handed out about 140 citations to first-time offenders since mid-November.
Even if the chance of getting caught is 100%, the $200 fine is much less than paying someone $1000 to do the job. As long as the time cost is less then $800, I say, go ahead and use your own powerwasher!
