Householders to be charged for each toilet flush!
AUSTRALIA - November 16, 2008 - The scheme would replace the current system, which sees sewage charges based on a home's value - not its wastewater output.
Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organisation (CSIRO) Policy and Economic Research Unit member Jim McColl and Adelaide University Water Management Professor Mike Young plan to promote the move to state and federal politicians and experts across the country.
"It would encourage people to reduce their sewage output by taking shorter showers, recycling washing machine water or connecting rainwater tanks to internal plumbing to reduce their charges, ''Professor Young said.
"Some people may go as far as not flushing their toilet as often because the less sewage you produce, the less sewage rate you pay.''
Professor Young said sewer pricing needed to be addressed as part of the response to the water crisis.
"People have been frightened to talk about sewage because it is yucky stuff, but it is critically important to address it, as part of the whole water cycle,'' he said.
"We are looking at reforming the way sewage is priced and this plan will drive interest in the different ways water is used throughout Australia.''
Ed. Note: So are they going to hire toilet flush monitors with public funds?
