Last month, Sarasota City Commissioners proposed a 6% increase, each year for the next two years.

If approved, this will amount to 4 straight years of rate hikes for Sarasota. Utility officials say the hikes are needed to keep up with maintenance on infrastructure, which is 60 to 70 years old in some areas.

While we certainly understand their needs, we thought you would appreciate a few water conservation tips for your home and garden that will keep the hikes from affecting your bottom line and, as a bonus, help you protect the environment.