No Rebate for Loss of Reclaimed Water ServiceBy Josh ValoneThe City of Clearwater does not intend to offer a rebate for citizens who were without reclaimed water following damage to an underwater pipe last month. Last month workers damaged an underwater pipe while constructing the Bayfront boat slips. The damage cut off reclaimed water service to Clearwater Beach, Island Estates, and parts of downtown Clearwater, leaving residents who live in those areas without the service for several weeks. The cost for reclaimed water service is $18.30 per month, even if a resident elects not to use it. Given the fact that services were down for much of July it was reasonable to assume that the city might offer a rebate program for residents that were affected by the accident, but that will not be the case. Inquiries to the City Utility Department were forwarded to Billing, who then explained that it was not within the contract for any sort of rebate to be offered regardless of whether service was unavailable for a large portion of the billing period or not. The one exception is residents who may have suffered property damage (such as dead plants or grass) as a result of being without reclaimed water services. Any residents wishing to report such damages are encouraged to contact the city for information on how to resolve that situation.
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