City presents water-quality report showing compliance; commissioners ask staff to review utility rates

City staff presented the annual Consumer Confidence Report (CCR) on drinking water quality and told the Palatka City Commission that the system’s test results were well within allowable limits.

The utilities presenter said the city had five positive coliform samples in the previous year; four were linked to old piping at a school development and were resolved after flushing. Within the city distribution, only one of 150 samples showed bacteria contamination; that sample was attributed to grease on a hydrant coupling and was corrected. The report showed sodium, copper and trihalomethane (TTHM) levels well under maximum contaminant levels; staff said chlorine is no longer used in the distribution system and aeration towers were addressing odors.

Commissioners thanked staff for improved water quality and asked follow-up questions about customer bills and rates. Commissioner Jones pressed staff to research prior references to an automatic water-rate increase and to present a detailed rate analysis as part of the July budget process. The city manager agreed to have finance prepare a cost/revenue analysis to determine whether current rates cover utility costs and to bring results during the budget work before July 10.

Staff also said they will prepare an annual review of utility pricing and present recommended adjustments if needed. Commissioners noted that while quality has improved, affordability remains a concern for small households with a fixed base charge plus usage charges.

No formal rate changes were adopted at the meeting; staff committed to return with analysis and recommendations to the commission during the budget cycle.