Frequently Asked Questions

water utility graphicWhat should I know about the City’s water utility?

The City provides safe, high-quality water and wastewater services to more than 26,000 residents and businesses across the city and parts of unincorporated Polk County, ensuring each of them can count on their water and sewer services every minute of every day. Behind the scenes, we operate and maintain an 8.75 million-gallon-a-day Class A Lime Softening Water Treatment Facility made up of more than 200 miles of water distribution pipes that deliver water straight to your faucet. These hidden pieces of infrastructure work together to deliver safe and clean water 24/7. We also manage a wastewater system that ensures that wastewater remains safely contained as it makes its way to the City’s Water Reclamation Facility.

Reliability and resiliency are at the heart of these systems. For most people, water and wastewater are “out of sight, out of mind” – and that’s good. It means the systems are doing their jobs. But ensuring that reliability isn’t easy. It requires constant care, expert management, and regular upgrades.

Why is the City adjusting its water and wastewater rates?

We need to update water and wastewater rates to keep up with the rising cost of providing water and wastewater services and fund essential projects. Since the last rate increase in 2015, operating costs have increased and there is a need to upgrade and expand infrastructure.

Does this mean the City is changing how it charges for water and wastewater service?

The City of Bartow charges for water using an inclining block rate structure. This charge is based on the amount of water you use. Under this model, the cost per gallon increases as usage rises, which encourages conservation and ensures that high-water users contribute more to support the system’s additional capacity needs. This structure will remain the same.

When was the last rate increase, and why wasn’t it raised sooner?

The City of Bartow last increased water and wastewater rates in 2015. Since then, costs to provide water and wastewater service have risen significantly, with inflation driving up the price of construction and maintenance. We continue to be committed to keeping services as affordable as possible, but an increase is now necessary to meet today’s financial needs.

How will the new rates affect my monthly bill?

Beginning on January 1, 2025, the typical customer using 6,000 gallons of water and wastewater per month will see an average increase of $7.42 on their bill per month. More modest rate adjustments are planned for the following years.

How do the new rates compare to neighboring utilities?

In spite of the increased water and wastewater rates, the cost of these services to Bartow residents will still be more affordable than most nearby utilities. Additionally, many neighboring utilities may implement rate adjustments in 2025, which could further ensure Bartow’s cost effectiveness.

What improvements will the rate adjustments fund? 

Between now and 2028, the City of Bartow will complete about $49.6 million in expansions and improvements. This work is funded by grants, loans, and water and wastewater rates. Our project plans include:

  • $16.9 million to upgrade critical water infrastructure to maintain water quality, enhance system reliability, and replace lead service lines.  
  • About $14.9 million to upgrade critical wastewater infrastructure to ensure our sewage can remain out of sight and out of mind—in the system and reclamation facility where it belongs.  

Investing in these upgrades is not just about avoiding problems. It's about taking positive steps to ensure reliability for years to come. By being proactive, we're saving money in the long run, avoiding emergency repair costs, and ensuring our water and wastewater systems meet Bartow’s needs.

What do rate studies examine? 

The 2024 Water and Wastewater Rates Study was critical to ensure that our water and wastewater services remain sustainable. Rate studies help us align our charges with the actual costs of providing service, considering changes in regulations, infrastructure needs, and environmental challenges. Our current study included the following:  

  • Completing a financial analysis of the utility’s cash flow  
  • Reviewing and providing recommendations for future water and wastewater project funding  
  • Incorporating current and future capital improvement projects and maintenance needs  
  • Recommending what the City should charge for service – to ensure that revenues collected from utility bills are closely aligned with the combined costs of providing water and wastewater service, including maintaining our reliable systems 

Who conducted the rate study? 

We worked with independent expert Raftelis to conduct the most recent water and wastewater rates study. Raftelis conducts rate studies for utilities across the United States and has extensive experience applying industry best practices. We chose to work with an independent firm to ensure our rate structure is reliable and equitable so that we can continue providing safe, high-quality service long into the future.   

What do water and wastewater rates pay for?

When you pay your utility bill, you're not just covering the cost of the water you use or send down the drain. You're also investing in the systems that provide reliable, safe service to our community 24/7. Here’s how it works: 

Your water rates help pay for all the parts of the water system that bring clean, safe water right to your tap. This includes operating and maintaining over 200 miles of pipes and treating your water to strict standards. Water rates also contribute to Bartow’s involvement in the Polk Regional Water Cooperative, a partnership among neighboring municipalities to craft solutions to sustainably manage our region’s precious water supply.  

Your wastewater rates ensure our sewer system responsibly manages and transports the wastewater that goes down drains to the City’s Water Reclamation Facility, where it’s treated to stringent standards before being reused. Our Wastewater Reclamation Facility uses an effluent-to-energy process, which means we treat and disinfect your wastewater, turning it into what we call reclaimed effluent. The reclaimed effluent is then pumped to the cooling water reservoir at the Duke Energy-Hines Energy Complex in south Polk County where it’s used in the electrical power generating process.  

What can I do to help manage my water bill?

To keep your bill as low as possible, consider conserving water where you can, such as by fixing leaks, watering less often, and installing water-efficient fixtures and appliances. 

Where can I get more information? 

For more information about the water and wastewater rate increases, please call Customer Service at 863.534.0188 or email customerservice@cityofbartow.net.