The St. Petersburg City Council recently discussed significant changes to the city's water utility rates, which aim to address both community needs and the rising costs of water services. A key proposal is the introduction of an irrigation-only meter, designed to help residents save on sewer charges when watering their lawns. This new meter allows homeowners to use potable water for irrigation without incurring additional sewer fees, as the water used for irrigation does not return to the sewer system.

Under the proposed structure, the irrigation-only meter will feature three tiers of pricing, with the first tier set at 0 to 7,000 gallons per month at a rate of $6.48. This is a notable change from the previous system, which had a higher initial tier limit of 10,500 gallons. The goal is to encourage responsible water use while ensuring that domestic users, who typically consume around 3,500 gallons monthly, benefit from lower rates.

In addition to the irrigation meter changes, the council is also considering an increase in connection fees for new developments. The fee for adding a bathroom to the water system will rise from $600 to $1,000, ensuring that developers contribute fairly to the city's infrastructure costs. This adjustment is part of a broader strategy to manage the financial pressures facing the utility department, which include rising operational costs due to inflation and increased capital expenditures for maintaining and upgrading water services.

The council is seeking public input on these proposals, with the first reading scheduled for August 14 and a final public hearing on September 4. These discussions are crucial as the city aims to balance the need for sustainable water management with the financial realities of providing essential services to its residents.