this is what happens when you start going green as well

PORTLAND, MAINE — As water usage drops, many utility companies are raising rates to compensate for down revenues, The Associated Press reported.

Due to manufacturer cutbacks, decreased tourism and declines in the real estate market, water companies have seen their sales fall dramatically, according to the story.

For example, water sales fell 11 percent at the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District in southern Maine last year, the article stated.

According to a study by the Water Research Foundation, home foreclosures and business contractions have reduced water demand, the story reported.

“This is happening most everywhere. It’s a regional thing, it’s a national thing,” said Norm Labbe, superintendent of the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District. “Many, many (water utilities) around the country are seeing decreases in revenues. Because if industry goes down, revenues go down.”

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