Water project costs raise concerns for Lake Wales residents

During a recent government meeting, officials discussed the ongoing development of a desalination facility in Polk County, spearheaded by a consortium known as Florida Water Partners, which includes Whartney Construction, Wharton Smith, and Garney. The facility aims to address regional water needs, with funding support from the water management district, which currently covers about 40% of project costs through grants.

Concerns were raised regarding the projected costs of water from the facility, initially estimated to be ten times higher than current rates. However, officials clarified that this figure pertains to the cost to the Polk Regional Water Cooperative (PRWC) and does not directly translate to consumer water rates. The actual impact on local residents will depend on how much water individual municipalities purchase from the PRWC.

One member highlighted that some municipalities may need to raise water rates by 25% annually for three years and double their impact fees to accommodate the new facility's costs. This has raised concerns, particularly for residents of Lake Wales, who already face some of the highest water rates in the county. Officials acknowledged the need for a detailed analysis of how these changes will affect local rates and fees, emphasizing the importance of transparency and communication with residents to ensure they understand the financial implications of the project.