Water utilities in the US are using conservation-oriented water rate structures to help promote the efficient use of water. Seasonal rates, inverted-block rates and excess-use rates provide pricing signals that promote water conservation, particularly for residential customers. However, the effectiveness of these rate structures in reducing water usage levels is sometimes questioned by utility regulators, city officials, and even utility customers. In this paper, three case examples of water systems that are using these conservation promoting rates are examined to assess how effective these rate structures are both in conveying appropriate pricing signals to customers and in helping to support broader conservation efforts. The paper concludes with suggestions for water utilities considering implementation of conservation-oriented rate structures. Includes 3 references, tables.