(ESCAMBIA, COUNTY) — The Emerald Coast Utilities Authority board voted August 25 to suspend compliance letters and direct staff to find cheaper ways for residents to install state-mandated backflow preventers.
The 5-0 vote came after a long discussion among the Board members about a Florida Department of Environmental Protection consent order that requires Emerald Coast Utility Authorities (ECUA) to bring 4832 homes with private wells into compliance by December 31, 2030. ECUA is currently required to bring 210 homes into compliance each quarter.
(Photo Credit: ECUA Youtube)
Board members said they have fought the rule for years but now must comply or face fines of $500 per day, up to $15,000 per day. The fines would be paid by all ECUA ratepayers.
“We have fought the good fight and as much as we still think we might be right, I think we have got to follow what our regulators said,” Board member Lois Benson said during the meeting.
The dispute centers on homes with auxiliary wells that are not connected to ECUA’s drinking water system. Under a 2014 Florida Department of Environmental Protection (FDEP) rule update, those wells still require a backflow preventer because the well represents a potential cross-connection risk.
ECUA staff told the board the state does not specify how compliance must be achieved, only that it must happen. ECUA’s current method is to require the homeowner to install a device or face eventual water shutoff.
(Photo Credit, ECUA Youtube: Engineering Director Don Palmer explains the proposed backflow program process)
“Don’t get me wrong, we sent them lots of letters, we call them, work with them, we make sure they know their water is about to be cut off,” ECUA Engineering Director Don Palmer said.
Residents have three current options: hire their own plumber to install an $85 dual-check valve, sign up for ECUA’s program and pay over two years at 8 percent interest, or certify that the well does not work.
“I don't want us to send that threatening letter out to them,” ECUA Board member Larry said. “They pay their bills. They don't want the water turned off.”
The board directed staff to return next month with a detailed plan that could include:
The cost if ECUA installs a cheaper direct-bury dual-check valve
A longer payback period of 10 to 20 years to lower monthly bills
Reducing the interest rate from 8 percent
New letter language that lists all options instead of only shutoff warnings
Board member Lois Benson, who has opposed the rule for years, said she changed her position after considering public health risks.
“I would rather have people shoot at me for an expensive device than I would have drinking water that kills little children in their schools,” Benson said, referencing the Flint, Michigan water crisis.
FDEP officials told ECUA in 2020 that its previous method of having residents sign a letter certifying their well was not connected no longer meet state requirements. That led to the consent order.
(Photo Credit, ECUA Youtube: History of water regulations)
The board will vote on the new program options at its next meeting. Staff said any change to fees would require public notice and would take effect the following month.
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