Why is water so expensive?

[gap2415]

We lived way south of here is an area drought stricken every year, yet our water bill was a huge fraction of what it is here. I'm wondering why it is so much? I'm also wondering why they would consider selling wAter from here to a bottling company if there is so little that they had to charge me $130 this month for it and there are only two of us. We put some new flowers in but we have done this many times before and never seen bills like this. We just had our box checked today thinking surely our bills were in error.

[rustyp]

We lived way south of here is an area drought stricken every year, yet our water bill was a huge fraction of what it is here. I'm wondering why it is so much? I'm also wondering why they would consider selling wAter from here to a bottling company if there is so little that they had to charge me $130 this month for it and there are only two of us. We put some new flowers in but we have done this many times before and never seen bills like this. We just had our box checked today thinking surely our bills were in error.

If your water bill is $130 / month you better call someone again. Step 1 are you reading the bill right ? Step 2 is it potable or irrigation water part of the bill that's high ? How many gallons are you being billed for in each category. Post the answer and we can send you in the right direction.

[rhood]

Been here over ten years and our water bill has never gone over $16. It is a fraction of what is was in Kentucky.

[redwitch]

Irrigation water is much more expensive than the potable water. So, if you adjusted to water the new plants more frequently, your bill will be much higher. It should go down as soon as you get back to a normal schedule. As to why, my guess is because the water company can.

[outlaw]

We lived way south of here is an area drought stricken every year, yet our water bill was a huge fraction of what it is here. I'm wondering why it is so much? I'm also wondering why they would consider selling wAter from here to a bottling company if there is so little that they had to charge me $130 this month for it and there are only two of us. We put some new flowers in but we have done this many times before and never seen bills like this. We just had our box checked today thinking surely our bills were in error.

You failed to disclose the number of gallons. $130 means nothing without the associated gallons used.

[Carl in Tampa]

Irrigation water is much more expensive than the potable water. So, if you adjusted to water the new plants more frequently, your bill will be much higher. It should go down as soon as you get back to a normal schedule. As to why, my guess is because the water company can.

Just the opposite is the case here in Tampa. All of the water comes from the same water main, but potable water and irrigation water enters the property through separate meters.

Irrigation water is billed at a price of straight gallonage. Potable water costs twice as much per gallon, with the reasoning being that it goes through the house and out through the sewage lines. The additional cost is to fund maintenance of the sewage lines.

[biker1]

Much more expensive?? I am not sure which CDD you are in but for my CDD that is not true.

Base Potable Water: $8.78
0-3000 gallons of potable water: $2.07/thousand
3001 gallons and up of potable water: $4.14/thousand
5% potable water tax

Base Irrigation Water: $8.04
0-7000 gallons of irrigation water: $2.17/thousand
7001-14000 gallons of irrigation water: $3.63/thousand

Potable water cost more than irrigation water.



Irrigation water is much more expensive than the potable water. So, if you adjusted to water the new plants more frequently, your bill will be much higher. It should go down as soon as you get back to a normal schedule. As to why, my guess is because the water company can.

[goodtimesintv]

Been here over ten years and our water bill has never gone over $16. It is a fraction of what is was in Kentucky.

Same here. Water is dirt cheap here. We always marvel that the cost is ridiculously low.

I think the o.p. needs to report the meter and have it checked. It could be damaged by lightning or some other problem.

This is in The Villages, right?

[rubicon]

Base Potable Water: $8.78
0-3000 gallons of potable water: $2.07/thousand
3001 gallons and up of potable water: $4.14/thousand
5% potable water tax

Base Irrigation Water: $8.04
0-7000 gallons of irrigation water: $2.17/thousand
7001-14000 gallons of irrigation water: $3.63/thousand

Potable water cost more than irrigation water.[/QUOTE]

Why does a customer pay a base rate and then a graduated amount? The graduated rate begins at 0.

there are also additional charges for maintenance/upkeep, etc

I believe water to be more expensive here than any other state in which I lived.

[Uberschaf]

One of the reasons for the expence is that all all sewage has to be pumped to the treatment plant. The expense of running the many pump stations is added to your bill per gallon potable used.

[theorem painter]

[/QUOTE]
Why does a customer pay a base rate and then a graduated amount? The graduated rate begins at 0.

there are also additional charges for maintenance/upkeep, etc

I believe water to be more expensive here than any other state in which I lived.[/QUOTE]

I thought the same thing about water being more expensive here until I looked at an old water bill from New York. The price per gallon here is less but we only paid the access fee once a year which is equal to the cost that we pay here monthly. What I don't understand is how clean drinking water can be cheaper than dirty irrigation water?

[biker1]

In my CDD, there is actually a separate sewer charge:

Sewer Base: $15.65
0-10000 gallons: $4.98/thousand gallons.

If you don't use a drop of potable water or irrigation water your monthly charge would be $32.47 based on the three base rates.


One of the reasons for the expence is that all all sewage has to be pumped to the treatment plant. The expense of running the many pump stations is added to your bill per gallon potable used.

[biker1]

Look at your monthly CDD bill and post the rates. In my CDD, potable water cost more than irrigation water.



[/QUOTE]
Why does a customer pay a base rate and then a graduated amount? The graduated rate begins at 0.

there are also additional charges for maintenance/upkeep, etc

I believe water to be more expensive here than any other state in which I lived.[/QUOTE]

I thought the same thing about water being more expensive here until I looked at an old water bill from New York. The price per gallon here is less but we only paid the access fee once a year which is equal to the cost that we pay here monthly. What I don't understand is how clean drinking water can be cheaper than dirty irrigation water?[/QUOTE]

[ajbrown]

In my CDD, there is actually a separate sewer charge:

Sewer Base: $15.65
0-10000 gallons: $4.98/thousand gallons.

If you don't use a drop of potable water or irrigation water your monthly charge would be $32.47 based on the three base rates.

My CDD:

Water
Base: $8.90
0-4000 @$1.90/gallon

Irrigation
Base: 5.97
0-7000 @ $2.07/gallon

Sewer
Base: $12.68
0-10000 @ $4.54/gallon

Even when not using any water, I see no way my water bill could ever be less than:
$27.55 = $8.90 + $5.97 + $12.68

Last month for a small designer yard I used:
3320 gal of potable, $6.31 + $15.07 (sewer)
5500 gal of irrigation, $11.39

Total: $60.32 (a bit higher than average for us)

The only comparison that has merit is what other communities in the area pay. I have no time or interest to research such a thing, but would not argue against some who posts water is expensive :)

[graciegirl]

It is cheaper than where we came from.

[rjm1cc]

Why does a customer pay a base rate and then a graduated amount? The graduated rate begins at 0.

there are also additional charges for maintenance/upkeep, etc

I believe water to be more expensive here than any other state in which I lived.[/QUOTE]

I thought the same thing about water being more expensive here until I looked at an old water bill from New York. The price per gallon here is less but we only paid the access fee once a year which is equal to the cost that we pay here monthly. What I don't understand is how clean drinking water can be cheaper than dirty irrigation water?[/QUOTE]

In general you can look at your utility service in several parts.

The first is the plant where they make the produce - gas, electric water etc.

The second is the cost of getting the utility from there plant to your home.

These two costs relate more to the number of customers served than to how much you use. Thus the base charge could be because you have access to the utility even if you do not need to use them for part of the year.

The last charges is based on how much you consume.

[JoMar]

Cheaper than where we came from also. Personnel costs, pumping stations, well service, state and federal inspections, taxes, chemicals, capital costs, water main inspection and maintenance all have to be paid before you get gallon one.

[ColdNoMore]

"Why is water so expensive?"



Because they think we're an effluent demographic?





Sorry, I just couldn't resist. :p

[perrjojo]

Base Potable Water: $8.78
0-3000 gallons of potable water: $2.07/thousand
3001 gallons and up of potable water: $4.14/thousand
5% potable water tax

Base Irrigation Water: $8.04
0-7000 gallons of irrigation water: $2.17/thousand
7001-14000 gallons of irrigation water: $3.63/thousand

Potable water cost more than irrigation water.

Why does a customer pay a base rate and then a graduated amount? The graduated rate begins at 0.

there are also additional charges for maintenance/upkeep, etc

I believe water to be more expensive here than any other state in which I lived.[/QUOTE]
Then you haven't lived in Georgia. :icon_wink: Georgia was the most we ever paid plus whether for the home or irrigation the sewer was charged and at a higher rate than the water.

[rubicon]

Been here over ten years and our water bill has never gone over $16. It is a fraction of what is was in Kentucky.

rhood: I am not challenging your statement but I am both impressed and confused as to how you have never paid more than $16 a month for water.

Another poster was kind enough to list the water dept rates.

Base rate for portable water is $8.78
Base rate for irrigation water is 8.04
total base rate= $16.82

you are paying less than the base rate?

And added to the above are additional flat charges
tax on potable water 5% sewer base tax $12.07
and we haven't even addressed the two/three tier charges for actual water use. What county do you reside? and I wonder what county the poster who listed the water rates resides? Methinks there are different base rates going on here and their application. Hmmmm

Base Potable Water: $8.78
0-3000 gallons of potable water: $2.07/thousand
3001 gallons and up of potable water: $4.14/thousand
5% potable water tax

Base Irrigation Water: $8.04
0-7000 gallons of irrigation water: $2.17/thousand
7001-14000 gallons of irrigation water: $3.63/thousand

Potable water cost more than irrigation water.

[biker1]

I was the poster of the rates. They do vary by CDD or county, not sure which. I am in Sumter County, CDD 10.

rhood: I am not challenging your statement but I am both impressed and confused as to how you have never paid more than $16 a month for water.

Another poster was kind enough to list the water dept rates.

Base rate for portable water is $8.78
Base rate for irrigation water is 8.04
total base rate= $16.82

you are paying less than the base rate?

And added to the above are additional flat charges
tax on potable water 5% sewer base tax $12.07
and we haven't even addressed the two/three tier charges for actual water use. What county do you reside? and I wonder what county the poster who listed the water rates resides? Methinks there are different base rates going on here and their application. Hmmmm

Base Potable Water: $8.78
0-3000 gallons of potable water: $2.07/thousand
3001 gallons and up of potable water: $4.14/thousand
5% potable water tax

Base Irrigation Water: $8.04
0-7000 gallons of irrigation water: $2.17/thousand
7001-14000 gallons of irrigation water: $3.63/thousand

Potable water cost more than irrigation water.

[rubicon]

Why does a customer pay a base rate and then a graduated amount? The graduated rate begins at 0.

there are also additional charges for maintenance/upkeep, etc

I believe water to be more expensive here than any other state in which I lived.[/QUOTE]

I thought the same thing about water being more expensive here until I looked at an old water bill from New York. The price per gallon here is less but we only paid the access fee once a year which is equal to the cost that we pay here monthly. What I don't understand is how clean drinking water can be cheaper than dirty irrigation water?[/QUOTE]

Where in New York it makes a difference? also upstate New York subsidizes
New York city's transportation, insurance rates, etc I assume water also

[rubicon]

My purpose for this post is strictly informational. If I am reading the posts correctly there appears to be different base rates ,etc for each CDD. Why?

Is there a difference in quality of water in each district why are some CDD's base charges and rate per thousand > < than others?. Why do some CDD's have 3 tier charges while other only 2 tier?

I've visited the water recycling plant. they do a wonderful job. Their end product is fertilizer which gets shipped out. It costs customers to process this water but I am not certain if any portion of their profits are credited to customers accounts?

[biker1]

Regarding the number of tiers of pricing, you may not see the upper tier(s) on your bill unless you use enough water to be in that tier. Therefore it may not be obvious how many tiers there actually are.

My purpose for this post is strictly informational. If I am reading the posts correctly there appears to be different base rates ,etc for each CDD. Why?

Is there a difference in quality of water in each district why are some CDD's base charges and rate per thousand > < than others?. Why do some CDD's have 3 tier charges while other only 2 tier?

I've visited the water recycling plant. they do a wonderful job. Their end product is fertilizer which gets shipped out. It costs customers to process this water but I am not certain if any portion of their profits are credited to customers accounts?

[Bogie Shooter]

The Utilities serving the residents of The Villages are:
•Village Center Service Area (Lake County and District 1 in Sumter County) is owned by Village Center Community Development District.
•Little Sumter Service Area (District 2, 3 in Sumter County and District 4 in Marion County) is owned by Village Center Community Development District.
•North Sumter County Utility Dependent District (District 5, 6, 7, 8 and a part of District 9 in Sumter County) is owned by North Sumter County Utility Dependent District.

RATES

Village Center Service Area
http://districtgov.org/departments/Utilities/VCSA%20Rates%20and%20Fee%20Schedule%202015.pdf

Little Sumter Service Area
http://districtgov.org/departments/Utilities/LSSA%20Rates%20and%20Fee%20Schedule%202015.pdf

North Sumter County Utility Dependent District
http://districtgov.org/departments/Utilities/NSCUDD%20Rates%20and%20Fee%20Schedule%202015.pdf

More information can be found at:
VCDD Utilities/Amenities (http://districtgov.org/departments/Utilities/utilities.aspx)

[Gerald]

LOL you all still do not understand how it works.
And who is actually running the water company and making a huge profit from it.

[rubicon]

Regarding the number of tiers of pricing, you may not see the upper tier(s) on your bill unless you use enough water to be in that tier. Therefore it may not be obvious how many tiers there actually are.

biker: I don't use the 3rd tier on my irrigation and it always is published on the bill.

The Water Utility uses normal usage and if someone exceeds this amount notice is sent out explaining there maybe a leak etc

However there are obvious variables here. first comes to mind snowbirds, those homes with pools or spa's or both, the number of people in your home, number of guests visit, how often you water.

We lived Tennessee and New York never had an irrigation system. did in Iowa and Minnesota. all were larger homes than in TV

I read an article concerning the high usage of water by those Mc''manisions along the Florida coast. they are on a one tier system and the author was critical of how they were using more and paying less.

We all spoken of bottling companies coming in and emptying the aquifers free of charge yet we are paying based on a tiering system. If you never used a drop of water you still be paying for the base rates sewer system and taxes. I know what you are going to say but basically what this amounts to is that you are paying for water utility's maintenance costs. if your water system goes who pays for it?

the tier system is a means for developers and realtors to keep developing. It is my understand that there has been a water battle going on for those utilities located from the Georgia border down to the atlantic coast

I'm only interested at the moment in understanding the politics and the resulting operational system side agreements etc. I know I pay more here than in other states I don't know why. the water utility will tell me usage but then usage is greater along the coast with much bigger estates and last I read they are on a single tier system??????????????????????????? its understand and not argument I seek

[biker1]

That is interesting - my bill (from Central Sumter Utility LLC) only shows the tiers of water that we actually use. If our irrigation system is turned off for a month we only see the base rate.

biker: I don't use the 3rd tier on my irrigation and it always is published on the bill.

The Water Utility uses normal usage and if someone exceeds this amount notice is sent out explaining there maybe a leak etc

However there are obvious variables here. first comes to mind snowbirds, those homes with pools or spa's or both, the number of people in your home, number of guests visit, how often you water.

We lived Tennessee and New York never had an irrigation system. did in Iowa and Minnesota. all were larger homes than in TV

I read an article concerning the high usage of water by those Mc''manisions along the Florida coast. they are on a one tier system and the author was critical of how they were using more and paying less.

We all spoken of bottling companies coming in and emptying the aquifers free of charge yet we are paying based on a tiering system. If you never used a drop of water you still be paying for the base rates sewer system and taxes. I know what you are going to say but basically what this amounts to is that you are paying for water utility's maintenance costs. if your water system goes who pays for it?

the tier system is a means for developers and realtors to keep developing. It is my understand that there has been a water battle going on for those utilities located from the Georgia border down to the atlantic coast

I'm only interested at the moment in understanding the politics and the resulting operational system side agreements etc. I know I pay more here than in other states I don't know why. the water utility will tell me usage but then usage is greater along the coast with much bigger estates and last I read they are on a single tier system??????????????????????????? its understand and not argument I seek

[CFrance]

"Why is water so expensive?"



Because they think we're an effluent demographic?





Sorry, I just couldn't resist. :p
Eggscelent!!!!!!

[PennBF]

There appears to be a problem between usage and charging, Our water bill has gone up 20% in April. We checked our billing from VCDD over the last 15 months and the average is 20% less than our April bill. In fact taking the low and high against April as compared to the last 15 months the low is 15% low on the lower side and 20% low on the high side. We had an independent inspector check our irrigation system and a plumber to inspect the system. Both said we have no problems and we have not changed our irrigation schedule. When we called VCDD they said it may be because in March they installed a new meter in our home? That did not make sense because of the many years the bills have been pretty steady. If the meter had been off 20% that would mean they were underfunded for all these years and no one would believe that. We checked with another user and they had the same problem in April. Anybody in April have any idea's as to what is going on??:ho:

[justjim]

Frankly, I never paid much attention to my bill until this month when I knew that it would be expensive because of watering our new landscape as recommended by my landscaper.
Irrigation:
15,620 gallons cost .........$56.78

Water Potable
2,670 gallons cost ............$15.03

Sewer Base ......15.65
2,670 gal @ 4.98 thousand....13.30
$28.95 for sewer

$17.90 trash and 146.48 Amenity charge

Total Bill. $265.14. District 10

Bottom line...water and sewer $100.76 for a month. Of course, the irrigation charge was skewed because of new trees that had to have more water because of lack of rain. "Grin and bear it"!

[Carl in Tampa]

Water in Florida is expensive because, contrary to what you may believe, Florida is often a drought environment. An examination of weather records since 1900 reveals that in every decade there has been at least one severe and widespread drought somewhere within Florida. Droughts that began in 1906, 1927, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1961, 1968, 1980, 1984, 1998, and 2006 were the most severe.

It is ironic that the various Florida Water Management Districts were created to control flood waters, but now have a primary concern of water conservation. The concerns include both the underground Florida Aquifer and surface water such as lakes and rivers. Deficits in the Florida Aquifer sometimes manifest themselves as "sinkholes." The Management Districts are very concerned with providing for clean surface water.

Complicating factors include the source of potable water by large cities. Tampa uses both surface water from the Hillsborough River and some water from water wells. St. Petersburg has no potable surface water source, nor does it have any significant source from wells in its own county. It pumps water from leased wells located in Hillsborough County.

In times of severe drought, the Water Management Districts have the legal authority to ration water used for lawn irrigation and/or filling swimming pools. They can also direct that lawns may not be irrigated in order to provide irrigation water for Florida agriculture.

Back around 1990, I served a term as an appointed representative on the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which includes most, if not all, of The Villages area. Major accomplishments during my term included the clean up and flow improvement of a feeder to Tampa Bay called Sweetwater Creek, and a clean up of Tampa Bay which brought back some species of fish that had been absent for quite some time.

I suspect the real reason for different water prices in different Community Development Districts in The Villages is because they are administered by different people who have differing views of how much money they need to fund their different infrastructures, how much they want to hold in reserve, and what future maintenance needs they foresee.

[rubicon]

Water in Florida is expensive because, contrary to what you may believe, Florida is often a drought environment. An examination of weather records since 1900 reveals that in every decade there has been at least one severe and widespread drought somewhere within Florida. Droughts that began in 1906, 1927, 1945, 1950, 1955, 1961, 1968, 1980, 1984, 1998, and 2006 were the most severe.

It is ironic that the various Florida Water Management Districts were created to control flood waters, but now have a primary concern of water conservation. The concerns include both the underground Florida Aquifer and surface water such as lakes and rivers. Deficits in the Florida Aquifer sometimes manifest themselves as "sinkholes." The Management Districts are very concerned with providing for clean surface water.

Complicating factors include the source of potable water by large cities. Tampa uses both surface water from the Hillsborough River and some water from water wells. St. Petersburg has no potable surface water source, nor does it have any significant source from wells in its own county. It pumps water from leased wells located in Hillsborough County.

In times of severe drought, the Water Management Districts have the legal authority to ration water used for lawn irrigation and/or filling swimming pools. They can also direct that lawns may not be irrigated in order to provide irrigation water for Florida agriculture.

Back around 1990, I served a term as an appointed representative on the Southwest Florida Water Management District, which includes most, if not all, of The Villages area. Major accomplishments during my term included the clean up and flow improvement of a feeder to Tampa Bay called Sweetwater Creek, and a clean up of Tampa Bay which brought back some species of fish that had been absent for quite some time.

I suspect the real reason for different water prices in different Community Development Districts in The Villages is because they are administered by different people who have differing views of how much money they need to fund their different infrastructures, how much they want to hold in reserve, and what future maintenance needs they foresee.

Carl: thank you for the information. I am especially interested in your comments concerning how CDD differ in their rating structure and on your explanation now confirming my speculation as to the reason. I need to attend my district's meetings

I spoke with a individual about 5 years ago who was in a position to know about the water supply in Florida. He claimed the acquifer held water equal to the great lakes and that the rationing etc was political war between northern and southern Florida.

What doesn't make sense to people is that if water is a scare resource( and it may well be long term) then why allow bottling plants from outside Florida to freely tap our water supply? If water is a scare resource why hasn't the impact statements made clear that further development should be prohibited?

Recall in 2012 such a proposal (mandate) was on the ballot which gave Florida residents say in future development. However realtors and developers spend zillions to defeat this bill and did.

California, Arizona over populated in water troubled areas .

I do not believe any person would intentionally want to move to an area that would experience natural resource shortages

[Bogie Shooter]

Things like this do not help the public to understand and have confidence in these Water Districts.

Political insider takes the reins at South Florida water district

| Miami Herald (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article34651740.html)

[Carl in Tampa]

Things like this do not help the public to understand and have confidence in these Water Districts.

Political insider takes the reins at South Florida water district

| Miami Herald (http://www.miamiherald.com/news/local/environment/article34651740.html)

I doubt that this background will give you more confidence, but it should give more understanding.

Governing Board members are unpaid citizen volunteers appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. They generally serve four-year terms. (I was nominated to be on the Southwest Florida Board by the Chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Republican Committee.)

The Governing Board appoints the Executive Director, who directs all Water Management District activities. The Florida Senate confirms this candidate.

So, you see, it's all political. As I said, this may not give you confidence, but it should give you understanding.

Rubicon mentions political battles between North Florida and South Florida over water. Even more intense is the battle between agriculturists and environmentalists regarding the impact on the Everglades by fertilizer run off from South Florida farms into the Everglades.

Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest lake and the second largest body of fresh water in the contiguous United States, has become so polluted that many fishermen will not eat the fish caught there, but not practice catch and release.

Why is it polluted? Because the South Florida Water Management District is pumping polluted farm water into the lake to prevent flooding in the farmlands. South Florida emergency pumping into Lake Okeechobee ends - Sun Sentinel (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-lake-o-pumping-change-20160201-story.html)

Anyone who is surprised that politics is involved in water supply issues has never read about how water is supplied to Los Angeles.

[outlaw]

I doubt that this background will give you more confidence, but it should give more understanding.

Governing Board members are unpaid citizen volunteers appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Florida Senate. They generally serve four-year terms. (I was nominated to be on the Southwest Florida Board by the Chairwoman of the Hillsborough County Republican Committee.)

The Governing Board appoints the Executive Director, who directs all Water Management District activities. The Florida Senate confirms this candidate.

So, you see, it's all political. As I said, this may not give you confidence, but it should give you understanding.

Rubicon mentions political battles between North Florida and South Florida over water. Even more intense is the battle between agriculturists and environmentalists regarding the impact on the Everglades by fertilizer run off from South Florida farms into the Everglades.

Lake Okeechobee, Florida's largest lake and the second largest body of fresh water in the contiguous United States, has become so polluted that many fishermen will not eat the fish caught there, but not practice catch and release.

Why is it polluted? Because the South Florida Water Management District is pumping polluted farm water into the lake to prevent flooding in the farmlands. South Florida emergency pumping into Lake Okeechobee ends - Sun Sentinel (http://www.sun-sentinel.com/local/palm-beach/fl-lake-o-pumping-change-20160201-story.html)

Anyone who is surprised that politics is involved in water supply issues has never read about how water is supplied to Los Angeles.

Can you provide your assessment of the Tampa water situation and the desalinization facility's impact on water supply and cost impact to your water bill? Just curious.

[flyerguy]

Conserve water, drink wine. :)

[Carl in Tampa]

Can you provide your assessment of the Tampa water situation and the desalinization facility's impact on water supply and cost impact to your water bill? Just curious.

That's a tall order. The plant was supposed to cost $98 million; it actually cost $158 million. Construction began in 2001; it wasn't fully operational until six years later.

It produces expensive water. Desalinated water costs about three times the price of groundwater and twice as much as river water. The cost is not a big concern to environmentalists because the overpumping of ground water has been destroying lakes and ponds, as well as old growth cypress trees in the area of the wells providing water for Pinellas County.

Other environmentalists are concerned that the plant pumps super-salty water into Tampa Bay, which might be detrimental to marine biology.

To actually answer your question, I don't know to what extent the use of desalinated water affects my personal water bill.

It's a complex issue. You might want to read more at Once-troubled desal plant gets mixed reviews | TBO.com and The Tampa Tribune (http://www.tbo.com/pasco-county/once-troubled-desal-plant-gets-mixed-reviews-61348)

[outlaw]

That's a tall order. The plant was supposed to cost $98 million; it actually cost $158 million. Construction began in 2001; it wasn't fully operational until six years later.

It produces expensive water. Desalinated water costs about three times the price of groundwater and twice as much as river water. The cost is not a big concern to environmentalists because the overpumping of ground water has been destroying lakes and ponds, as well as old growth cypress trees in the area of the wells providing water for Pinellas County.

Other environmentalists are concerned that the plant pumps super-salty water into Tampa Bay, which might be detrimental to marine biology.

To actually answer your question, I don't know to what extent the use of desalinated water affects my personal water bill.

It's a complex issue. You might want to read more at Once-troubled desal plant gets mixed reviews | TBO.com and The Tampa Tribune (http://www.tbo.com/pasco-county/once-troubled-desal-plant-gets-mixed-reviews-61348)

Thanks for the info. I didn't realize the desalination process required chemicals. Also didn't think a reservoir was a viable alternative to desal in Florida.

[TNLAKEPANDA]

We pay a lot more for our water then our electricity! We are on a large corner lot so there is a lot of grass and plants to water. They should allow rock landscapes on all homes since they are concerned about water usage.

[GypsyBuddy]

Our highest water bill was $36 in the past 4 years. Could you be adding in the price of sewage and trash pick up and thinking it was all water? The utility bill is for 4 things: Water, Sewer, Sanitation collection, and the Amenity fee.

[OhioBuckeye]

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned how far your hot water heater is from our Master Bedrooms. When I use my sink in my bathroom & I want hot water, I bet I run my water in my sink for 2 mins. or longer to get hot water & I bet I run 2 gal. of water down the drain to get my first drop on hot water. Now, can you imagine 100,000+ homes doing that & how much water is wasted. I personally think the homes here weren't very well thought out. Where I lived in Ohio, my monthly water bill in the house I lived in for 11 yrs. before moving here, the highest bill I ever got was $18. & that's when I turned my irrigation system on 3 times in one week. Other than that I never ever ran over $12. a MONTH. In The Villages defense fresh water here in Florida is hard to come by probably because the soil is so sandy & they can't get to the fresh water or it dries up so quickly. I only pay as an average $80. a month for water, that's pretty good compared to what I've been reading here.

[OhioBuckeye]

Frankly, I never paid much attention to my bill until this month when I knew that it would be expensive because of watering our new landscape as recommended by my landscaper.
Irrigation:
15,620 gallons cost .........$56.78

Water Potable
2,670 gallons cost ............$15.03

Sewer Base ......15.65
2,670 gal @ 4.98 thousand....13.30
$28.95 for sewer

$17.90 trash and 146.48 Amenity charge

Total Bill. $265.14. District 10

Bottom line...water and sewer $100.76 for a month. Of course, the irrigation charge was skewed because of new trees that had to have more water because of lack of rain. "Grin and bear it"!
I agree, "Grin & Bear it"! The Villages won't change a thing. I'm sure in the back of their minds they probably think, MOVE. I don't think The Villages have ever changed one thing because of these articles. :$:

[graciegirl]

///

[photo1902]

I'm surprised that nobody has mentioned how far your hot water heater is from our Master Bedrooms. When I use my sink in my bathroom & I want hot water, I bet I run my water in my sink for 2 mins. or longer to get hot water & I bet I run 2 gal. of water down the drain to get my first drop on hot water. Now, can you imagine 100,000+ homes doing that & how much water is wasted. I personally think the homes here weren't very well thought out. Where I lived in Ohio, my monthly water bill in the house I lived in for 11 yrs. before moving here, the highest bill I ever got was $18. & that's when I turned my irrigation system on 3 times in one week. Other than that I never ever ran over $12. a MONTH. In The Villages defense fresh water here in Florida is hard to come by probably because the soil is so sandy & they can't get to the fresh water or it dries up so quickly. I only pay as an average $80. a month for water, that's pretty good compared to what I've been reading here.

Regarding the hot water heater distance, it depends on the model of your house. Our MB is extremely close to our hot water heater. The kitchen sink, well, thats another story :)

[Kisusn]

We lived way south of here is an area drought stricken every year, yet our water bill was a huge fraction of what it is here. I'm wondering why it is so much? I'm also wondering why they would consider selling wAter from here to a bottling company if there is so little that they had to charge me $130 this month for it and there are only two of us. We put some new flowers in but we have done this many times before and never seen bills like this. We just had our box checked today thinking surely our bills were in error.

Good question. I hope someone who really knows the answer will reply. I came from up north next to one of the Great Lakes so I never thought twice about the cost. But, if you're from southern Fl. hmmm.

[gap2415]

Good question. I hope someone who really knows the answer will reply. I came from up north next to one of the Great Lakes so I never thought twice about the cost. But, if you're from southern Fl. hmmm.

We have been fortunate enough to live in both places for long periods but selling bottled water where we were in the north where water was abundant was not the same as selling it in areas of drought all the while hiking prices because of lack of quality water. It's normal to ask out of curiosity. I should add that in one of my former lives we did provide electricity, water and sewer services for large numbers of people and there are reasons why things are necessary that on the surface are not obvious or easily understood.

[rubicon]

Our highest water bill was $36 in the past 4 years. Could you be adding in the price of sewage and trash pick up and thinking it was all water? The utility bill is for 4 things: Water, Sewer, Sanitation collection, and the Amenity fee.

I don't doubt what you are saying. First when I talk about my water bill it includes every single charge, fee tax that applies BUT ONLY to water as our utility. We have always incurred a bill in 3 digits. We water the yard once during winter months and twice during hot season. We water lawn for 25 min and shrubs for 10 min. We have had every aspect of our plumbing system inside and out checked for malfunctions, leaks, etc.

We water our plants/flowers on the lanai/bird cage once daily. About once a month i wash down the lanai/bird cage. We wash clothes 2-3 times a week

We don;t wait for the shower water to get warm we plunge right in. We use the dishwasher once a week and often do dishes by hand

I take my car to the car wash. My house get cleaned by a professional once a year.

We are full time residents and do not travel often. I doubt if a customer pushed for answer s/he would get very far with this bureaucracy
?????????????????????????????????????????????????? ????????
Methinks there are some inconsistencies or redundancies between districts based on Carl's assessment.

[justjim]

I suggest that if you are really concerned about your water bill, comparative rates, cost of sewer, etc., go to your District meeting for answers to your concerns. Perhaps the District can satisfy your concerns.

[gap2415]

Agreed.

[rubicon]

I suggest that if you are really concerned about your water bill, comparative rates, cost of sewer, etc., go to your District meeting for answers to your concerns. Perhaps the District can satisfy your concerns.

Ever speak with the people at the water utility? I did they will run you in circles. Been to district meetings in the past same result.

I understand the usage issue, use more pay more that's fair. But its the inconsistency in rating structure between CDD's that puzzling.

Beside which was stated in aforementioned posts the water issue in Florida is very very political and experience should have taught us all that political thinking is circular

[OhioBuckeye]

You know if my water bill starts running that high I'll probably move out of the Villages. Some of us pay $140. a month for amenities (I pay $150. a mo.) & I know that has nothing to do with water but it's still an added expense that most places don't have. Then to add $100. plus dollars to that you're pushing $300. a month. I can go to another part of the country & buy a pretty good membership at a Country Club for $3,600. a yr. plus have enough money left over to do whatever I do here in The Villages. I came from Ohio, NW Ohio to be exact & my monthly water bills only averaged $12. a month. The Villages is a very exciting place to leave but from what I've been told by some older residents, things have really gotten expensive in the last 5 to 10 yrs. Yea, I know things have gone up with inflation but things here inside The Villages are more expensive than outside the Villages. In The Villages defense, water in Florida as a whole is more because I'm sure being in a very warm part of the U.S. water evaporates very quickly & our sandy soil really sucks up water. But unless you have a good savings & housing & utility bills keep going up, your savings will exhaust very quickly, unless you have a very good retirement, I don't!

[OhioBuckeye]

I don't disagree with anybodies answer to me but personally I don't think going to a district meeting will change anybodies water bill or any other utility bill, they probably would have to change everybodies water bill. There's a lot of things I could complain about but I guess I could complain about something anywhere I go. If I personally don't like the way things are going I'll probably just move. There's another grip I could talk about. Overall The Villages is a Disneyland for retirees or like some people say, "Old People".

[CFrance]

You know if my water bill starts running that high I'll probably move out of the Villages. Some of us pay $140. a month for amenities (I pay $150. a mo.) & I know that has nothing to do with water but it's still an added expense that most places don't have. Then to add $100. plus dollars to that you're pushing $300. a month. I can go to another part of the country & buy a pretty good membership at a Country Club for $3,600. a yr. plus have enough money left over to do whatever I do here in The Villages. I came from Ohio, NW Ohio to be exact & my monthly water bills only averaged $12. a month. The Villages is a very exciting place to leave but from what I've been told by some older residents, things have really gotten expensive in the last 5 to 10 yrs. Yea, I know things have gone up with inflation but things here inside The Villages are more expensive than outside the Villages. In The Villages defense, water in Florida as a whole is more because I'm sure being in a very warm part of the U.S. water evaporates very quickly & our sandy soil really sucks up water. But unless you have a good savings & housing & utility bills keep going up, your savings will exhaust very quickly, unless you have a very good retirement, I don't!
Can you really get a country club membership--including golf or not--for $3600 a year? Most of them even have a monthly minimum you have to spend on food. I'd like to know where this is and if it's in a year-round warm climate. If it's not, you're spending $3600 for at most 6 months of use. And I'd be surprised if that would include golf with no fees.

[Bogie Shooter]

Also available, a sewing club, a book club and free star gazing...........................

[CFrance]

Also available, a sewing club, a book club and free star gazing...........................
Yeah, but you already have to know how to sew.:cryin2:

[dewilson58]

Can you really get a country club membership--including golf or not--for $3600 a year? Most of them even have a monthly minimum you have to spend on food. I'd like to know where this is and if it's in a year-round warm climate. If it's not, you're spending $3600 for at most 6 months of use. And I'd be surprised if that would include golf with no fees.

My old club in the Midwest was twice that.

And it had free water (had to talk about water, or the Monitor might get me).

[rustyp]

You know if my water bill starts running that high I'll probably move out of the Villages. Some of us pay $140. a month for amenities (I pay $150. a mo.) & I know that has nothing to do with water but it's still an added expense that most places don't have. Then to add $100. plus dollars to that you're pushing $300. a month. I can go to another part of the country & buy a pretty good membership at a Country Club for $3,600. a yr. plus have enough money left over to do whatever I do here in The Villages. I came from Ohio, NW Ohio to be exact & my monthly water bills only averaged $12. a month. The Villages is a very exciting place to leave but from what I've been told by some older residents, things have really gotten expensive in the last 5 to 10 yrs. Yea, I know things have gone up with inflation but things here inside The Villages are more expensive than outside the Villages. In The Villages defense, water in Florida as a whole is more because I'm sure being in a very warm part of the U.S. water evaporates very quickly & our sandy soil really sucks up water. But unless you have a good savings & housing & utility bills keep going up, your savings will exhaust very quickly, unless you have a very good retirement, I don't!

Utilities, amenities, taxes have not risen unreasonably since I've been here and that's 9 years. All the items you mentioned were very easy to research before you purchased here. Looks like you didn't do your homework. Curious to know how you made your initial decision.

[jjelson]

As I write this I am traveling. My neighbor agreed to water some new plantings which we appreciate. Yesterday we received a call from them to tell us there wasn't any water coming from our spickets. When I left I had shut the water off in the garage, it is very surprising to find that these spickets are supplied with potable water. This explains my high water bills.

[Bogie Shooter]

As I write this I am traveling. My neighbor agreed to water some new plantings which we appreciate. Yesterday we received a call from them to tell us there wasn't any water coming from our spickets. When I left I had shut the water off in the garage, it is very surprising to find that these spickets are supplied with potable water. This explains my high water bills.

Wouldn't it be rather dangerous if non-potable water was coming from the outdoor spigot's?

[RickeyD]

Wouldn't it be rather dangerous if non-potable water was coming from the outdoor spigot's?



Hose water junkies would be dropping like flies. [emoji53]

[OhioBuckeye]

Oh wow GRACIEGIRL, water is cheaper here than where you come from. Did you come from Ohio like it says in the upper right hand corner of your comment or am I not reading it right. The reason I say that is because I'm from Ohio, NW Ohio & my water bills never ever ran over $15. a month, that was 5 yrs. ago. also I used the same water to water my lawn. My utility bills average $230. a month, $150. for amenities & $80. for water & we pay for recycled water to water our lawns. Just curious about your comment!

[biker1]

Only if you drink it.

Wouldn't it be rather dangerous if non-potable water was coming from the outdoor spigot's?

[rubicon]

Can you really get a country club membership--including golf or not--for $3600 a year? Most of them even have a monthly minimum you have to spend on food. I'd like to know where this is and if it's in a year-round warm climate. If it's not, you're spending $3600 for at most 6 months of use. And I'd be surprised if that would include golf with no fees.

CFrance : you could in MN and they were really nice courses well maintained in prime locations. However when you added monthly minimum cost you had to expend well then it was getting up there.

I lived just a few miles down from Hazeltine, and just down the street from Bear Path. These two courses were for only the very rich and you had to have a very low handicap even to be considered

the Ryder Cup is going to be played at Hazeltine in Sept.

[CFrance]

CFrance : you could in MN and they were really nice courses well maintained in prime locations. However when you added monthly minimum cost you had to expend well then it was getting up there.

I lived just a few miles down from Hazeltine, and just down the street from Bear Path. These two courses were for only the very rich and you had to have a very low handicap even to be considered

the Ryder Cup is going to be played at Hazeltine in Sept.
I would not be allowed to park in their lot! But TV courses are fine for me.:thumbup:

[pauld315]

Water here in the Cary NC area is exceptionally high and we also have a multi tier system. My wife and I budget 55 a month for water and sewer and we rarely, if ever, use our irrigation system. The reason water here became so expensive was to encourage conservation after we had a couple of brutal drought. We are also only allowed to run irrigation systems 3 times a week. On top of that, they would not allow separate meters for irrigation systems when I put my system in so any water I use through my irrigation system also gets charged sewer. If I ran each of my 5 zones for 8 minutes 3 times a week my bill would be about 145 to 155 a month for water and sewer.