[9급 지방직 영어 2010년 16번]

Conserving water is typically a good thing─except when you're penalized for your frugality. Elected officials are urging people to speak out against the Water Board's potential double-digit water rate hike at a public hearing in St. Albans on Feb. 16. The rate hike is needed, the city officials have said, because people are using less water, which means less revenue.

“The only way to stop the soaking of taxpayers is by showing up and making our voices heard,” City Councilman Peter Koo said. “We must remain ever watchful, informed and ready to fight.”

He attended a Queens Borough Board meeting Monday where a representative from the City Department of Environmental Protection spoke in favor of the proposed rate hike.