The authors developed a survey to learn about water providers' experiences
using conservation rate structures. The survey included questions about ser
vice characteristics, demand levels before and after implementation of cons
ervation rates, rate structures and price levels, billing and revenue, othe
r conservation measures, and the objectives and effectiveness of rates and
conservation efforts. Drawing on a number of respondent pools, the authors
distributed the survey to 567 utilities and received 89 responses. This art
icle represents a first step in evaluating the effect of conservation rate
structures and gives water professionals a closeup look at the use of prici
ng in utility conservation efforts.