The brief version:
It rained a lot in Wichita, no need to water the lawn.
Because the lawns weren't watered, city water revenue went down.
Solution: increase everyone's water bill by $1.
http://www.kansas.com/news/story/468232.html
Are your sewer fees calculated off your water bill?
This is the reason for the extra dollar charge. Without profit the project will not continue for the cities future. Wichita has great water but comes with a price. Our sewer is included with water and with a fairly reasonable monthly charge for both.
"(Without the extra money, city water officials say they may have to halt a massive aquifer recharge project aimed at securing the city's water supply for at least another 50 years)" Quote from the Wichita Eagle.
We have the same. Newark built a big reservoir that opened last year. Some people fuss that pool water and garden water shouldn't be included because it doesn't go into the sewer...small potatoes as far as I'm concerned. Our water and sewer is billed quarterly in with our electric bill, which is monthly.