Water bills go up in down economy as usage drops from slow manufacturing, real estate, tourism

By Clarke Canfield, AP
Sunday, April 4, 2010

Water bills go up in down economy as usage drops

PORTLAND, Maine — The grim economy is hitting some consumers in the wallet in yet another way: their water bills.

Many water utilities are raising rates because water use is down. That’s partly because manufacturers have closed or are cutting back, tourism has fallen and the real estate market is in the doldrums.

The water utility serving Kennebunk, Maine, says water usage fell 11 percent last year to 1995 levels. Superintendent Norm Labbe of the Kennebunk, Kennebunkport & Wells Water District says the No. 1 reason is the sour economy.

A recent study by the Denver-based Water Research Foundation shows home foreclosures, high unemployment and slower business have brought reduced water demand to many areas.

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