Steve-

I was only objecting to the continued use of the term "water tax" because it is not that. Call it a street tax" if you insist, but it technically is a fee because it is based on your use and your use is somewhat controllable (that is the way they taught it in grad school). You control it through your use of the discounts, and, for commercial properties, how you develop the property. I believe the distinction between fees and taxes has been extensively litigated, but I can't provide a cite here. I referenced the metered use of water and the other "red herrings" becasuse they seemed to fit your Mirriam-Webster definition.