Water is just like any other commodity, if you price it below market clearing levels, you will have shortages.
If you allow market prices, shortages disappear. When you have market prices, incentive is provided for development of new sources of water and the price acts as a disciplinary force against “waste.”
Most officials in government jurisdictions through out the globe fail to get this and will attempt to impose rationing when their below market price schemes on various commodities result in major shortages.
One problem: I have already done everything I can, short of going thirsty.
Last year I did not water my lawn, not a single time.
Drip irrigation of 2 tomato and one yellow squash plant.
Low flow shower head, 1.2 gallon toilet.
I use on average 90 gallons per day.
How in the h*ll can I cut back any more?
Plenty of water for the ‘Snail darter’ though.
Market prices don’t work so well with government sanctioned franchises to “natural monopolists”, i.e., your local water company.