It is a disappointment, then, to learn of their proposed 20 percent rate hike: Necessary, the corporation announced, because water consumption is down.

This is the same company that offers water conservation tips to its customers.

We use less, but will pay more.

Let us all hope others don’t adopt this logic: If residents use less electricity, rates will go up; if consumers cut back on natural gas usage, rates will go in the other direction; if the housing demands slows or we buy fewer automobiles -- well, you guessed it -- the costs will by one fifth.

I should blame myself, as I have taken many measures suggested by York Water to reduce waste. The lesson is to don’t bother being green or conservation-minded: It will just cost us all in the end.

The York Water Company will give us a bath, but we don’t feel any cleaner.

David M. Butts
Springettsbury Township