11 replies to this topic

[dr_feelgood]

I just purchased a dual flush conversion for the throne at CTC ( on sale ). The hardest thing to do was remove the old handle. They say you can save over $100 a year with the conversion.

[chilli]

No you can't because as soon as their revenues go down, they jack up the rates. If you want to contribute for conservation purposes then take measures to reduce but don't count on saving any money. Monetary gain is only the lure they hook you with.

[bigugli]

Despite all the water conservation gear, gimmicks, reductions, etc,,, that have reduced consumption, water rates continue to rise. Currently, 3 waste water plants are in the process of upgrading, modernizing, etc... I can guarantee that the money to pay for it comes out of our pockets. So if you reduce the amount you use they adjust the rate accordingly to compensate.

[Flywire]

Only way to legitimately save 100$ a year on the business......dig a hole

[drsmooth]

Flywire, on Apr 25 2010, 01:29 PM, said:

Only way to legitimately save 100$ a year on the business......dig a hole

Or invest in a rain harvesting system and hook toilets and outdoor hoses and washing machines up to it.

http://www.ecoshift....ter+Harvesting/

Edited by drsmooth, 25 April 2010 - 12:41 PM.

[knightfisher]

Yep, the utility companies have used the excuse of too much conservation to raise prices.
Here is St.Kitts they have raised the base charge to almost $20.00 per month.
Being billed every four months I'm paying $68.00 just to have the service available.
Wait till the HST kicks in.
Greed.

Also if the city finds out your using rain water for laundry and such, they will stop
you lickity split.
You'll have to do it on the

[dr_feelgood]

Since I wasn't raised on a septic system, I do not believe in the " if it's yellow, let it mellow " idea. I have a 6 LPF throne and if I use less water to eliminate the yellow, I'm saving.

[smerchly]

I have a new China made 6 lt. toilet & I can pull the handle part way & get a 2-3 lt flush for the yellows . And I believe our sewer sysystems are designed to have a certain amount of water flow to thin out the solids to carry it to the filtration plant .....we may have problems with too little water in the system to dilute the solids . If it was legal , we could bury a large plastic tank in our yard which would be filled by the eaves troughs . The tanks would have an over flow at the top which would run into the grass , just like the downspouts do now . A pump would carry the rainwater to the toilet and this would save a lot on your water bill . But the city would find a way to stop this or tax it ! I have 3 rain barrels which I use for the gardens , all filled now ( 120 gallons) . I seldom water the grass , unlike my neighbours who water every day in the summer . St.Catharines used to have a lot of industry , mostly connected to the auto industry and a lot of water & electricity was sold to them . They are gone now (we like our imports) ,and we all must pay more for the drop in useage . We might see water restrictions this year as the lakes are way down . If we get a hot dry summer , my grass will be very brown !

[ninepointer]

There is something to be said for Bullfrog Power's new "Pay more for energy" ad campaign. How "green" is Bullfrog's energy? That's another discussion...

[knightfisher]

ninepointer, on Apr 26 2010, 09:13 AM, said:

There is something to be said for Bullfrog Power's new "Pay more for energy" ad campaign. How "green" is Bullfrog's energy? That's another discussion...

Yes there is. It's so much cow droppings.
Very well put together, as to manipulate the masses.

Here in Niagara, the smart meters installed in our homes have
not yet been implemented to gouge us with the new rates. 9.1 as compared
to the current 5.8 cents/kWh.
Add to that the current 7% increase just approved a few weeks ago, and
of course the HST in the summer.
Our hydro rates will sky rocket when these factors come into being.
At least a 60% increase on our bills.
And now there's this bull@#$% energy being fed us.
Nuff said.

[smerchly]

They want to force us into driving tiny cars , use gas sipping boat motors , do laundry after my bed time , shower together etc etc etc . While at the ramp yesterday a huge yacht was getting ready to launch. Guys were talking about how much gas the twin 454 chevy engines use and one said it could take $1000 to fill the gas tank . You should get a few hours of fun with all that gas ......My point is , if you have the bucks , use all the gas, oil , water , electricity you want . For the average Joe , either cut way back or have a less money to spend on other necessities . I gassed up my 2 trucks .....$181.00 ....no prob. I don't smoke & drink very little , don't go to restaurants ,movies & drink home coffee 95% of the time . Cutting back on energy will get you nowhere , they will compensate by increasing the rate . I do not waste water on things like keeping the grass green but if I want to wash my truck I will get the hose out and wash it !!

[Ollie]

smerchly, on Apr 27 2010, 10:31 PM, said:

While at the ramp yesterday a huge yacht was getting ready to launch. Guys were talking about how much gas the twin 454 chevy engines use and one said it could take $1000 to fill the gas tank . You should get a few hours of fun with all that gas ......

That's why I bought a sailboat....I only use about 8 gallons of gas all season - that and I can't afford a huge yacht!
For fishing I have my canoe or my 14' aluminum - that's all I need.