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.