Nassau County plans to raise rates of heavy water users

County to raise rates for heaviest water users

By Ryan Smith, News-Leader

The Nassau County Commission unanimously adopted Monday a resolution approving a new conservation rate

structure for Nassau-Amelia Utilities.

NAU provides water utility services to the south end of Amelia Island.

While the average water utility customer should see no change in water and sewer bills, heavy water users will see an increase, according to County Coordinator Ed Sealover.

"What the county is doing is adopting a water conservation rate program that has been suggested by St. Johns River Water Management District," Sealover said Thursday. "For the most part, people will not see an increase on their water bills. But people who are heavy, heavy users of water - and I don't mean bathing or washing clothes; I'm talking about irrigation of lawns - then you will pay more."

According to Sealover, customers who don't use much water will actually see their bills go down slightly. Customers using 5,000 gallons per month or less should see a $1 to $5 decrease in their monthly bills. Average users may see a few cents' decrease.

Those who use 11,000 gallons or more per month, however, will see marked increase as usage goes up - anywhere from around 99 cents for 11,000 gallons to more than $35 for 30,000 gallons.

The resolution adopting the new rate structure will take effect after approval by the Florida Secretary of State's Office.

rsmith@fbnewsleader.com

Story created Mar 18, 2010

http://www.fbnewsleader.com/articles/2010/03/18/news/00newsawaterratesrise.txt