We Should Charge More...

We appear to have this problem almost every year -
taps running on empty and reservoirs approaching danger levels.

People are even asked to pray for rain so that water rationing need not be imposed.
In some areas like Kluang, people already suffer the consequences of water rationing.

Water rationing is inefficient, creates great hardship and can cause equipment damage as operators have to open and shut valves and equipment. Also as tanks and pipes are emptied and refilled, there is much dirt and sludge that gets delivered right into your house.

What I propose sounds controversial but we should price water on a supply-demand basis.
When the reservoir reaches near critical levels, water authorities should be able to charge more for water so that everyone will make sure to conserve the precious commodity.

For example: The basic needs for each house is based on four occupants and this is charged the usual rate for the first 1 cubic meters per person per day.

The next 10 cubic meters is charged at twice the first rate.

And so on so that the scale of payment escalates rapidly and people will definitely take positive steps to conserve.

Meanwhile, all states facing water problems should desist from approving the development of areas surrounding catchment areas and even take back land that has been allocated.
It is naive to think that rain automatically will fall exactly in the catchment area when all the land close to it has been bull-dozed in the name of progress.

Just visit Cameron Highlands. It is not as cool now as it was fifteen years ago.