They changed the rate structure to be more compatible with actual usage. In the old rate schedule, for the amount of gallons I was allowed for a 3 month period, my usage was always less than half of what I was allowed. So basically through the years I was paying for water that I never used. With the new rate structure, people with 1-2 people in the household should see the lower bills, while households with more people or lots of kids taking 30 minute showers are going to be screaming at the increase they are going to see. I don't have to pay for their usage any longer...