Why is my water bill so high in Palm Coast? Mayor David Alfin responds

Palm Coast Observer
Opinion

Editor's Note: The views, thoughts and opinions expressed in this article are solely that of the author in his personal capacity and do not necessarily represent the opinions or the views of the City of Palm Coast or the Palm Coast City Council.

Question from a resident: My water bill keeps going up every single month. There must be a way to reduce my costs. I notice I’m paying an awful lot of money for just the base charge on the bill. Why is it so much? Also, can I install an irrigation well system at my house to reduce my costs for city water?

Palm Coast’s treatment and service of your water is much more intricate than you may realize. Infrastructure planning and implementation are rather detailed so that we can ensure all residents have enough pure, safe and good-tasting water in their homes and ample wastewater capabilities.

The water bill section for your property’s utility bill is divided into two segments: your base charges and your usage charges. Base charges cover the fixed costs related to dependably supplying you with enough capacity for servicing water and treating the sewer coming from your home. These charges consider ongoing personnel, debt service, maintenance for pipelines, valves, elevated tanks, pump stations and treatment facilities. Your usage charges are billed as per thousand gallons for the additional cost to treat the water you are using each month. These expenses include the chemicals, plant personnel, electricity, repairs and maintenance needed.

Here are a few suggestions to reduce your utility bill: Make sure that your toilets are functioning properly (leaking toilets are the biggest reasons for adding costs to your bill); when purchasing new appliances, find those with more water-wise efficiencies; limit your water use with less or shorter lawn irrigation and showers, and cut the amount of time you run water in your sinks.

I’m proud to say that nearly 48% of our residents practice water conservation efforts and use less than 2,000 gallons of water a month. Learn more about conserving water on the city’s website at: palmcoast.gov/water-tips

Regarding the installation of an irrigation well system at your home, your wish to invest in this procedure may become complicated. Homeowners should only install private well systems if reclaimed water service is NOT available to them. Builders are made aware of where reclaimed water service is available at the time of building permit application. Also, for the safety of all utility customers, private companies who install these systems cannot interconnect their work in any way with our city’s public utility system, its water mains, service lines, or pipes. The design, permitting, construction, and use of a private irrigation well must also comply with the most current regulations of the Flagler County Health Department, the Florida Department of Environmental Protection, and the St. Johns River Water Management District, as appropriate. Small-diameter irrigation wells are permitted through Flagler County.

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