Asking the public to pay more for anything basic is not the best way for any leader to make herself popular; more so when payment has to be made to a monopoly supplier. Which is why the chief minister of Delhi needs to be commended for announcing a coming hike in water rates, a steep rise by the present standard. The average high-income household in the city consumes around 25 kl from the Delhi Jal Board pipeline in a month, and pays just around Rs 30. In a new structure, where the rate rises with the income category and the quantum consumed, it will now pay around Rs 155. (Editorial)