Several.
But the most likely is that they diverted funds and needed to make up the shortage.
It is easier to justify a huge increase in the water going out, than in the water coming in. Environment, you know.
Has your local sewage treatment plant recently been ordered by a stupid court to make hundred million$ improvements?
I don't want to be a nitpicker, but with sufficient patience ignorance can be cured. Therefore, in the vast scheme of things, it is bound and finite and may actually decrease with time as "right thinking" prevails. As a young child is "ignorant" and must be taught, or my father-in-law is rock hard stupid and nothing will change that, ever. Stupidity knows no bounds and is therefore infinite. The case is still out on hydrogen.
Regards,
GtG