Sparked by the Aloha water problems, the panel would provide customers a more direct way to seek redress for their concerns.
By ALEX LEARY
Published June 19, 2004
The Pasco County Commission now can create a board to oversee private water utilities.
Gov. Jeb Bush on Thursday evening signed into law a bill that gives commissioners the authority to set up such a board, and they already have indicated a willingness to do so.
State Rep. Tom Anderson and state Sen. Mike Fasano introduced the legislation in Tallahassee in response to complaints from customers of Aloha Utilities, which serves the Seven Springs area. Some customers say their water is discolored and smells like rotten eggs.
Though the Public Service Commission still would continue to regulate private utilities in Pasco, the local board is envisioned as a more direct way for customers to lodge concerns. The committee, with the clout of the County Commission behind it, then could try to get problems resolved through the PSC.
The committee also could recommend the County Commission establish "local technological standards" to address discolored and foul-smelling water. The standards, however, could not conflict with or exceed those imposed by state regulators.
"This legislation will allow customers to participate with their locally elected officials to ensure drinking water supplied by any private utility company in Pasco County is of the highest quality," Fasano said Friday in a news release.
Aloha, which is working on a $4-million upgrade to its system, has said the committee adds an unfair, unneeded layer of oversight.
- Alex Leary can be reached in west Pasco at 869-6247, or toll-free at 1-800-333-7505, ext. 6247. His e-mail address is leary@sptimes.com
