Another "what's wrong with this picture?" entry

One would expect that water rates would reflect your level of use, wouldn't one? Sadly, that's not the way it works:

SARNIA -- Conservationists beware.

If you don't use much water, your bill will dramatically increase under Sarnia's new water and sewer rates.

Jeannie and Dennis Marshall were shocked by a Bluewater Power water bill they received for a vacant residence owned by Jeannie's deceased brother.

The bill came to 17 cents for five weeks of water consumption, and a staggering $78.53 for water distribution and sewer charges.

No one lived at the property during the billing period of Dec. 24 to Feb. 1.

Jeannie Marshall said she was stunned to see the high fixed costs.

"I think it's ridiculous," she said. "Council should really rethink this."

From the London Free Press. This just seems so wrong. I wonder, is this being done simply out of stupidity, or do they have good intentions in mind (e.g. not wanting to penalize large families)? I wish the reporter had at least tried to ask that question of someone... but journalists like that seem to be a dying (or at least retiring) breed.