​What is Happening...

Following recommended best practices from the American Water Works Association (AWWA), the Palm Beach County Water Utilities Department (PBCWUD) periodically undertakes a rate study to ensure its service rates and charges are based on sound utility accounting, management and financial principles while also being legally justifiable. These principles insure the long-term viability of the utility to provide safe, high quality and reliable service to customers by funding operations and maintenance expenses as well as capital projects.

PBCWUD last undertook such a rate study in 2009. The new rates address the AWWA best practices while also being revenue neutral.

 

Why is this Happening...

By implementing new rates, PBCWUD seeks to rebalance the cost of services equitably among each type and class of service, including varying meter sizes for single-family residential, multi-family residential and non-residential customers.

Furthermore, a stipulation of PBCWUD acquiring the former Glades Utility Authority (GUA) service area in 2013 required rates for customers in the Glades area (Belle Glade, South Bay and Pahokee) to remain frozen for eight years. With that provision expiring in May 2021, PBCWUD undertook the current rate study to ensure its rates are legally justifiable based upon the AWWA recommendations.

​Key Points...

  • Confirm the rates charged by PBCWUD are legally justifiable.
  • The AWWA recommends utilities periodically undertake a rate study to ensure rates and charges are based on sound accounting, management and financial principles.
  • PBCWUD has not undergone a rate study since 2009.
  • Glades (Western) area rates roll into the Eastern rates on May 1, 2021.
  • The proposed rates are revenue neutral.
  • All customers living in multi-family housing (apartments, condos, etc.) will see significant savings.
  • The rate study shows that non-residential customers should be bearing more of the costs associated with operations and maintenance.
  • The proposed rates will make PBCWUD one utility with one rate, eliminating the Eastern and Western designations
  • Connection fees, which have remained stagnate for more than a decade, will increase. This only affects new meter installations.

​

Important Meetings Concerning this Change

Tuesday, April 6, 2021: Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, First Reading, 9:30 a.m.
Robert Weisman Governmental Center, 6th floor Commission Chambers, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach

Tuesday, April 20, 2021: Palm Beach County Board of County Commissioners, Public Hearing, 9:30 a.m.
Robert Weisman Governmental Center, 6th floor Commission Chambers, 301 N. Olive Avenue, West Palm Beach