Exeter Rulers propose a decree

They hate that you use water, and they want to punish you for doing it. Any business would absolutely love for you to use as much of their product as possible. You’d get all the water you demand, and they’d be, well, swimming in cash.

Now, watch out: if you have neighbors who are buttinskis, the Exeter Rulers will come get you. First a “warning,” (i.e., a threat). Then, a “small” fine of $100. (Hope you're not struggling to buy food.) Then a “big” fine of $500 and disconnection to the water supply. This is nuts. Is it permanent? Temporary? Mu you fall on your knees before the almighty Rulers? This ordinance is highly vague and open to lots of (mis)interpretation.

It’s amazing how supporters of government talk about the Big Bad Company restricting their products to the point of prohibition. Yet, when governments do it, it’s because the nasty taxpayer is not conserving the good in question.

Also note the exceptions that benefit some. Commercial car washes are ok, but if you are trying to start a business going around washing cars (a great summer job for an entrepreneurial kid), you're out of luck.

To be clear, a shortage is due to one thing: government price floors. It is the government control of the water supply that creates the problem in the first place. Private property and water rights would not only solve the problem of a drought, but improve the water supply far beyond what a bunch of tax consumers could ever do.