One of the reasons was the increase of the water price in Maribo.
The office reviews water prices every five years; in 2000 it forced the water companies to cut rates by 12 percent.
Even so, water prices here are among Europe's lowest.
Others suggest the state could encourage conservation by raising water prices.
The wave of demonstrations and police violence was described as a public uprising against water prices.
Additionally water price was substantially reduced for low consumption users since 1996.
Linking water price to income presents difficult political and practical problems.
But who would receive the windfall of higher water prices?
Unless I am hugely mistaken, an increase in the water price from 10p to 18p is an 8p increase.
In recent years, rainwater harvesting has become more common due to increasing water prices.