This is the case of drinking water, where the protection of water sources is seen as more cost-effective than end-of-pipe water treatment. For example, starting in 1996, the municipality of Lons-le-Saunier (a town of 20 000 inhabitants) gradually introduced financial aid packages for farmers within a perimeter of 270 hectares (667 acres) of drinking water abstraction points. The aim is to encourage them to stop growing maize, make less use of plant protection products, stop using certain products, leave grassed strips, and cover the soil.