Polk County commissioners voted last week to raise water connection fees and irrigation rates, a move officials say is needed to manage rising construction costs and protect local groundwater supplies.

The board approved an increase to the one-time connection fees new developments pay to join local water treatment facilities. Utilities officials said the increase is meant to keep pace with unpredictable construction expenses driven by inflation and tariffs.

Reclaimed water rates will also rise to match the cost of potable water, so all customers pay the same price for irrigation. County officials said heavy use of reclaimed water for lawn irrigation has forced the utility to supplement irrigation systems with groundwater, cutting into the public drinking water supply.

“We had to increase those because construction prices are very unpredictable due to inflation, tariffs, and things like that,” said Polk County Utilities Director Tamara Richardson. “The construction prices are all over the place.”

Richardson said the strain heavy irrigation places on the reclaimed water system requires groundwater supplementation, making the rate increase both a conservation and preservation measure.

Reclaimed water rates will rise 50% starting Oct. 1, followed by a 33% increase on April 1, 2027. From October 2027 through 2030, rates will then climb an additional 6% annually. Customers using 20,000 gallons per month could see bills rise by as much as 80% under the new structure. Officials have not detailed the specific impact for customers using less than that amount.

Commissioner Rick Wilson cast the lone vote against the increases, arguing that longtime residents shouldn’t bear the cost of regional growth.

“I don’t think it’s right. People who have lived in this county for years and years are going to wind up paying extra for their water,” Wilson said. “Where do you draw the line? I don’t know… but I’m going to keep beating that drum — we have to take care of the people in Polk County and those moving here.”

Richardson said residents can still maintain green lawns without excessive water use, calling that the goal behind the rate changes.

It remains unclear whether additional commission votes will occur before the scheduled increases take full effect through 2030. Also, which counties might follow and raise utility rates. Currently, Pasco County and certain private or unincorporated pockets of Hillsborough and Pinellas frequently record some of the highest localized and fast-escalating residential bills.

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