[fourandrew]

Now that we have received just over 7" of rain, just entering the rainy season, will the 10% water surcharge be eliminated?????

[Hancle704]

My guess would be No. Temporary taxes and surcharges take on a long life. The federal excise tax on long distance calls lasted 108 years.

[champion6]

No, it won't. If we are told anything, we will be told that the rain landing on the surface is not enough to replenish the subterranean aquifers.

[simpkinp]

Hmm, isn't that the only place it lands, on the surface? Tongue in cheek. Once a tax, always a tax. They take on a separate life.

[njbchbum]

Am guessing that will depend on a change in the declaration that has been issued by SWFWMD

Statement taken from District Owned Water and Sewer Rate Information/North Sumter County Utility Dependent District Water, Sewer & Irrigation Rates []404 - File or directory not found.

*Implementation of the Environmental Protection Rate Surcharge is determined by declaration of a water shortage by the Southwest Florida Water Management District.
[]404 - File or directory not found.

Links work for me despite the 404 msg - material is found on district gov site for Utilities/Rate Info

[rubicon]

Originally Posted by simpkinp

Hmm, isn't that the only place it lands, on the surface? Tongue in cheek. Once a tax, always a tax. They take on a separate life.

a separate life and an eternal life. This water utility is the epitome of government abuse

[karostay]

I thought our irrigation water was recycled waste water great concept they charge you to treat it then sell it back .
It's not ground water.
Where does lack of rain play in the scheme of things?
Or is a sure charge just another nickel for someones pocket ?
Isn't this considered a utility that would need approval for a rate hike ?
After all they can't fine anyone for in proper parking,Yet they can charge everyone a 10% irrigation surcharge

[biker1]

The residential irrigation water is not recycled waste water (from the sewage treatment plants). It is water from the retention ponds and other sources. The golf courses and common areas are irrigated with recycled water from the sewage treatment plants and other sources.

Originally Posted by karostay

I thought our irrigation water was recycled waste water great concept they charge you to treat it then sell it back .
It's not ground water.
Where does lack of rain play in the scheme of things?
Or is a sure charge just another nickel for someones pocket ?
Isn't this considered a utility that would need approval for a rate hike ?
After all they can't fine anyone for in proper parking,Yet they can charge everyone a 10% irrigation surcharge

[Topspinmo]

Up north got probably 12" or more the retention ponds are the highest level I seen here in 2 1/2 years. Now some of that run off surely has made it to aquifer. But, as said above it's all about tax. If we tax it enough it will be ok cause money always makes things right. Now if they taxed based on usage then I could some what accept it. No rewards for conserving. Get taxed same rate as the abuser.

[Mleeja]

With the amount of rain recently received, I would hope that your sprinkler system is off. Why spend money watering your yard when Mother Nature is doing it for free?

[champion6]

Originally Posted by Mleeja

With the amount of rain recently received, I would hope that your sprinkler system is off. Why spend money watering your yard when Mother Nature is doing it for free?

[njbchbum]

Originally Posted by karostay

snipped
Or is a sure charge just another nickel for someones pocket ?
Isn't this considered a utility that would need approval for a rate hike ?

Yes - water in the Villages is from utility companies - owned and operated by the Villages developer! "Water and Sewer rates are established by the Village Center Community Development District for the Village Center Service Area and the Little Sumter Service Area, by the North Sumter County Utility Dependent District for North Sumter Utility." And "Central Sumter Utility (CSU), a privately owned utility, provides water and sewer service for the areas south of 466A and north of Highway 44. Rates are not established by the District, however, they are provided here for information purposes only." [taken from the District Gov Utility Dept web page]

The rate pages for each authority includes the statement "*Implementation of the Environmental Protection Rate Surcharge is determined by declaration of a water shortage by the Southwest Florida Water Management District."

So no approval is needed from anyone - all that is needed is the declaration of a water shortage from SWFWM to enact that surcharge!

[twopjt]

Originally Posted by biker1

The residential irrigation water is not recycled waste water (from the sewage treatment plants). It is water from the retention ponds and other sources. The golf courses and common areas are irrigated with recycled water from the sewage treatment plants and other sources.

Don't pretend to know the answers--but have been on our way home (between 466 and the Canadian expressway {466 aeh} in the golf cart, late enough that some homes had their sprinklers on and the sewage stink was unmistakeable. I've been convinced ever since someone in the cart enjoyed the full frontal reception of someone's misdirected sprinkler head - in spite of my superior driving efforts.