Your Water Bill Is Going Up. Here’s a closer Look into Why.
If your water bill looks a little different lately, you’re not imagining it, and it’s not a billing error.
Winter Haven residents are in the second year of a five-year rate increase plan approved by the City Commission in September 2024. Water rates are set to climb 2.5% each year through 2029. Sewer rates are increasing faster, at 7.5% per year. Both adjustments kick in each Oct. 1.
The increases were recommended by Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc., which conducted a 2024 utility rate study for the city. The study was designed to provide a thorough analysis of the city’s water, sewer, and reclaimed water system revenues and municipal expenses. The city commission voted unanimously to approve both ordinances. Winter Haven Daily
It’s not just monthly rates. Residential water connection fees rose from $1,669.50 to $3,671.25, and sewer connection fees increased from $4,196.50 to $8,175. Those fees took effect in January 2025 and directly affect new construction and development. Winter Haven Daily
The increases weren’t without pushback. During public comments, longtime resident Susie Casey urged commissioners to table the automatic annual increases and explore public funds and grants as alternatives. Winter Haven Daily
The bigger picture: where the money is going
The rate increases are tied to something larger than routine maintenance. Winter Haven is one of 17 Polk County municipalities participating in the Polk Regional Water Cooperative, a countywide effort to fund alternative water supplies because the region is running low on affordable water, not water itself.
Polk County’s groundwater comes primarily from the Upper Floridan Aquifer, but the amount that can be pumped from it is limited. Over-pumping can harm the environment, including Polk’s lakes, springs and wetlands. Polkfl
The PRWC’s infrastructure buildout is expected to total around $470 million, and Winter Haven is also investing roughly $180 million in the first phase of improvements to Wastewater Treatment Plant 3. Those projects are part of what’s driving the current increases in connection fees and rate adjustments. LocalLens
As of early 2025, overall PRWC program costs had grown to $807 million, a $159 million increase from the prior year, driven largely by the Southeast Wellfield project. About 35% of costs are expected to be funded through grants. Prwcwater
What it means on your bill
For most Winter Haven residential customers, the annual water rate increases represent a modest monthly change. The sewer increases are steeper. If you’re on a fixed income or a tight budget, those add up. The city has not announced any low-income assistance program tied to the new rate schedule.
The increases are automatic, built into the approved ordinance through 2029, meaning they do not require a commission vote each year.
For the most current rate schedule, visit mywinterhaven.com or contact Winter Haven Water customer service at (863) 291-5660.
Sources: City of Winter Haven 2024 Utility Rate Study (Raftelis Financial Consultants, Inc.); Winter Haven Daily, Sept. 16, 2024; LocalLens, Aug. 22, 2024; Polk County Utilities, polkfl.gov; Polk Regional Water Cooperative meeting minutes, Jan. 15, 2025; mywinterhaven.com
