Tampa balks at drought fee

TAMPA - Homeowners who use more than 15,000 gallons of water each month would see a hefty "drought surcharge" on the bills if water managers have their way.

The Southwest Florida Water Management District on Tuesday implored utilities to penalize high demand customers amid the state's relentless drought -- a supply crisis.

But those fees are unlikely to appear in the city of Tampa.

"Rates are not the tool we are going to use to deal with the drought," said Water Department spokesman Eli Franco. "There are many other avenues we have been pursuing."

Franco says the city will focus on education and enforcement.

Water management records show Tampa assessed 1737 fines in fiscal 2008, breaking down to more than 100 per month. Franco says the city collects $10,000 to $13,000 monthly, and that the so-called "water police" have not been scaled back in the same way other departments have.

"We have not had any cuts in that area," Franco said.

Tampa Bay Water, which supplies water to many homes in the Tampa Bay Area, estimates the area's daily use has been steady at 250 million gallons.

The Water Management District said there is substantial evidence that a drought surcharge is necessary.

"Our lakes are low, our rivers are low, the reservoir is only weeks away from running dry. We need everyone to do their part," said District spokesperson Robyn Felix.

Felix said only Hernando County currently imposes a drought surcharge. A call to the county was not immediately returned Wednesday.