Residents of Riviera Beach, Florida, may soon be facing an increase in their water and wastewater bills as the city council considers the construction of a new water treatment plant that could cost up to $300 million. This news comes amidst a trend of municipalities across the United States contemplating rate hikes for water bills due to various reasons, such as the need for new filtration systems to combat harmful substances like PFAS or the necessity to address issues related to damaged dams and water storage. Albuquerque, New Mexico, is also in a similar predicament, contemplating raising water and sewer bills to cover rising costs related to fuel, power, and chemicals.
The proposed $300 million cost for the new water treatment plant in Riviera Beach has caught city officials and residents by surprise, with concerns rising over the poor state of the city’s water quality. In June, a well in Riviera Beach tested positive for E. coli, a bacterium that can cause gastrointestinal issues when ingested. Palm Beach County water quality experts subsequently found that two wells had been contaminated with E. coli, raising alarm about the safety of the drinking water system. Compounding the issue is the fact that the current water treatment plant is nearly 70 years old and urgently needs to be replaced.
Despite the pressing need for a new water treatment plant, Riviera Beach is grappling with how to finance the exorbitant costs involved in the project. The estimated cost has doubled since initial projections in 2021 due to escalating labor and material expenses. It’s likely that residents will bear the burden of the cost through increased water and wastewater bills, as rates are already set to rise in 2024 and 2025 to pave the way for the new plant. However, the exact extent of the rate increases remains uncertain, contingent upon the final cost of the plant. Councilwoman KaShamba Miller-Anderson expressed concerns about the escalating construction costs and the need to establish a definitive price to prevent further cost escalation in the future.
In addition to the financial implications for residents, there is also ongoing uncertainty about the cause of the E. coli contamination in Riviera Beach’s water supply. Councilwoman Shirley Lanier has voiced frustration over the lack of information or accountability regarding the incident and its aftermath, emphasizing the need for transparency and accountability in addressing water quality issues. Residents remain in the dark about the specifics of the contamination incident, heightening concerns about the safety and reliability of the city’s water system. With the pressing need for a new water treatment plant and the uncertainty surrounding its funding and potential rate increases, the situation in Riviera Beach underscores the critical importance of ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water for all residents.
