Peace River water authority extending pipelines and raising rates

An agency that provides drinking water to Sarasota, Charlotte and Desoto counties and the city of North Port is proceeding with plans to extend its network of pipelines and construct a third reservoir to expand its supply.

The Peace River Manasota Water Supply Authority recently finalized a $61.9 million budget for the fiscal year that starts Oct. 1, up from $59.6 million.

Its customers will pay 76 cents per 1,000 gallons, a rate increase of 2 cents.

For a typical household using 4,000 gallons monthly, the water bill will go up 8 cents, Executive Director Patrick Lehman said. The authority’s utility customers have already factored the increase into their rates, he noted.

The budget increase is largely due to costs associated with pipeline projects and a feasibility study for another reservoir that could provide sufficient water through 2030.

“We need to plan ahead,” Executive Director Patrick Lehman said. “You can’t wait until you need it (additional capacity).”