July brings many changes in Portland -- the sun finally peeks out from behind the clouds, shorts and tank-tops make a comeback and most importantly to this blogmistress, the new water rates go into effect. So, you ask, what are the 2008-2009 water rates?

$2.07/unit or ccf = $2.07/748 gallons of water

Economical, you ask? Incredibly. At merely pennies per day for most households, the citizens of Portland can drink a cold glass of water from their tap any time they wish. They can take a hot bath or shower whenever they need... As always, the bureau asks that you do these things all within reason, of course -- Five minute showers are ideal and keeping a pitcher of water in the fridge prevents waiting on water to become cold, thus cutting down the water wasted... The point is, however, for just a teeny bit more than $2, you can use 748 gallons of water. That's 748 of those large, sized milk jugs. That's a LOT of water.

Jennie Burget

Interim Public Information Officer