I firmly believe that the better the water or sewer rate public relations efforts are, the better a rate increase will be received by the customers. Many citizens are not fully aware of all of the costs and requirements a system faces. A bill stuffer, an article in the local paper, or an open house event can help build customers knowledge of the system. When we discuss rates, we typically refer to the price per thousand gallons. I sometimes like to break it down even further.
Many customers can relate better to a gallon of water than they can to a thousand gallons.
Next time you talk to a customer about water rates try the per gallon approach. I think you will be surprised by the reaction you get from them. It s hard to argue that three or four gallons of water per penny is outrageously expensive. Use public relations to your benefit. It will ultimately make your job easier.