RCAP finds this concept very interesting. We know it would probably never be accepted in the United States, but it's an interesting thing to ponder nevertheless.

Suez Environnement (SEV), the second- biggest waste and water utility, will begin charging residents of the northern French city of Dunkirk variable water rates that depend on income, size of household and usage.

In the fifth of a six-part series titled "America's Mayors: Governing In Tough Times," National Public Radio aired a story August 4 titled "Progress And Promise For A Town Once In Crisis" that features the mayor of a small city - Marion, Ind.

In the story, the mayor speaks about tough economic times and what he has done to retain and attract jobs to his city.

He demonstrates the connection between water systems in communities, cities and towns and jobs, but you need to read or listen to the very end of the story to hear it.