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Surcharge Valuable Tool In Water-Saving Effort

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The Tampa Tribune

Published: April 2, 2009

Now that the governing board of the Southwest Florida Water Management District has further tightened water restrictions, local governments need to increase their efforts by levying drought surcharges on customers.

Also known as emergency water rates, these charges are enacted during critical water shortages - exactly what the Tampa Bay region is experiencing.

With drought continuing to strain resources, water conservation is vital. Drought charges promote stewardship by requiring those who use the most water to pay more - in essence, forcing conservation.

It's simple, effective and fair.

Governing board member Hugh Gramling of Plant City summed up the need for the surcharge best at Tuesday's meeting, when the current once-a-week limit was left intact but its many facets tightened: "The most effective tool we have is money."

Indeed, the very least local officials can do is thump the wallets of customers who refuse to follow restrictions or otherwise ignore the need to conserve. Residents and businesses that use water responsibly wouldn't have anything to worry about.

Local governments can look to Charlotte County for a good program.
Charlotte County Utilities has a five-tier rate structure for good times and bad. The rates are based on a detailed study that included water-use analysis and growth projections, among other data.

When a water shortage is declared, Charlotte's emergency rates kick in. Appropriately, the rates gradually accelerate depending upon the amount of water used. It may be painful for customers, but an emergency calls for tough measures - including higher water prices.

Residents and businesses using up to 5,999 gallons a month are charged the same during emergencies and non-emergencies - $4.49 per 1,000 gallons. This type structure is fair because it takes into account large families.

About 75 percent of the utility's residential connections are in this tier, says Leigh Sprimont, community relations and water conservation manager.

But customers using between 6,000 and just under 11,000 gallons a month pay about 20 percent more per 1,000 gallons during water emergencies. Those using from 11,000 to 15,999 a month are faced with about a 30 percent increase - nearly $2 more per 1,000 gallons.

A higher rate - equivalent to 40 percent, or nearly $3 extra per 1,000 gallons - is charged those using from 16,000 gallons up to 25,999.

Users of more than 26,000 gallons face the highest rate - an additional $4.27 per 1,000 gallons.

Tampa Bay area governments need to crack down on high-end water users by identifying them and developing emergency rates that pack a wallop. These are the customers who are putting a strain on drinking water resources and making life tough for conservation-minded citizens and businesses.

Exemptions, of course, should be made for businesses that use water in production. The goal is to stop wasteful water use, not handicap manufacturers.

The additional money generated by the emergency rates should be spent on water projects and stronger enforcement of watering restrictions. Both are needed in the region.

Make no mistake, the Tampa Bay area is in a water emergency. The rainy season doesn't typically begin until June. Rivers are extremely low, and the regional reservoir is dry.

As a result, groundwater pumping once again has been ramped up, putting lakes and wetlands at risk, while tens of millions of gallons are being used for outdoor irrigation on any given day.

Drought surcharges are clearly needed until the rains come and this crisis has passed.

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