Eau Claire is exploring “conservation” rates for water use. City water utility users will see a regular rate increase next year, but the city could make significant changes to its billing in the future to encourage conservation of the natural resource. Few water utilities in the state use said conservation rates that charge residents lower per gallon prices if they use less water, but the city wants to consider the idea within the next year. Some City Council members are already on board; they find it’s at least worth exploring since the idea has started spreading throughout Wisconsin and the US. There are still steps City Council must go through before this idea can be put into action. Conservation rates will be tested with residential users before approaching factories and businesses, and studies still need to be conducted, but it’s very possible Eau Claire could see conservation rates put in place very soon.