Utilities Department - Water Expansion Project Unit 11

Palm Bay, FL – Property owners residing in the city’s residential area known as Unit 11 can enjoy an early Christmas gift – installation of City water lines has been completed in their neighborhood. The Utilities Department’s contractor, Tri-Sure Corporation out of Auburndale, Fla., completed the $2,321,299 project in late November approximately seven months after the groundbreaking ceremony held last April.

“Community Investment Projects such as this typically take a year to complete, but Tri-Sure did a wonderful job and completed this project ahead of schedule,” commented Jason Yarborough, director of the city’s utilities department.

Over 70,000 feet, or approximately 14 miles, of water lines were installed in this area. With the addition of this infrastructure also comes increased fire protection with the installation of 82 fire hydrants to the area.

Property owners in Unit 11 now have access to the City’s water system and can connect to the municipal water service by filling out an application for service and paying or financing connection costs. Prior to the completion of this construction project, 90 property owners already applied for connection and will soon become customers of the utility.

“Right now, we are working to have these customers’ meters put in the ground by the end of January, so that they can begin enjoying the benefits of our clean, safe and reliable drinking water,” Yarborough stated.

This water expansion project provides over 1,300 parcels with access to the City’s water services which includes over 600 homes that can now have access to the City’s services.

Property owners interested in connecting to the water system are encouraged to contact the Palm Bay Utilities Department’s Customer Service Office at (321) 952-3420 or click here to learn more about how to Get Connected. Applications can be obtained at the Utilities Customer Service Office at City Hall or on-line on the Get Connected page. Loans with flexible terms and competitive, fixed rates are also available through the City. These loan rates change daily and are based on the Bloomberg Municipal Bond Rates (www.bloomberg.com). Potential utilities customers should contact the utilities customer service department for current rates. Customers can finance the main line extension fee, capital connection charge and meter installation fee. A $100 refundable deposit is due upon application but may be waived based on the customer’s credit rating. There is a $5 minimal charge for the credit screening.

Some customers may qualify for financial assistance available through the Housing and Neighborhood Development’s Utilities Hook-Up Assistance program. Funding is limited, however, those who qualify receive financial assistance for water connection costs and plumber costs. This assistance comes in the form of no interest, deferred payment, five-year loan. The loan is forgiven and the lien on the property is released after five years. If the property owner ceases to occupy the home as primary residence prior to the end of the five-year period, the remaining balance becomes due and payable. For more information on how to qualify for the HANDS program please contact (321) 952-3429 or visit
http://www.palmbayflorida.org/growth/hands/index.html.