What might be a consequence of not adjusting water rates timely?

When water rates are not adjusted in a timely manner, it can lead to financial difficulties for the water system. Water rates are typically set to cover the costs of operation, maintenance, infrastructure investments, and worker salaries. If these rates remain unchanged despite rising costs or decreased water usage due to conservation efforts, the system may struggle to generate adequate revenue. Over time, this can result in insufficient funds for essential repairs, upgrades, and operational needs, ultimately jeopardizing the reliability and quality of water service.

Financial instability may necessitate borrowing or relying on subsidies, which can compound the issue and lead to long-term sustainability concerns for the water system. This situation may also lead to deferred maintenance, which can increase operational costs in the future and potentially result in a crisis if the infrastructure deteriorates to the point of failure. Therefore, timely adjustments to water rates are essential for maintaining the economic health of the water system and ensuring it can continue to operate effectively.