PASCO COUNTY, Fla. -- The Public Service Commission has approved a rate hike request from a utility company in Pasco County, despite some residents complaining about the quality of their water.
- Orange Land Utilities to increase rate by 22 percent
- Residents say water out of their faucets is "undrinkable"
State regulators approved the 22 percent increase for Orange Land Utilities, which serves about 74 customers.
Several customers filed letters of complaint, including Larry Hampton.
He said he first noticed something strange when he moved into his home in New Port Richey about three years ago.
"It almost felt like I was swallowing microscopic pebbles or rocks. The water was just gross. I haven't drank it since," he said.
Other neighbors said their water is occasionally brown, and they said they've experienced extended "boil water" notices, and that they would have to buy bottled water because they claim what comes out of their faucets is "undrinkable."
"We just avoid the water. We take a shower in it, and that's about it. We don't cook with it, we don't drink it -- no," said Hampton.
A Public Service Commission staff analysis found "the majority of complaints appear to be related to aesthetics."
The report went on to say the water passed a Department of Environmental Protection inspection, and it labeled the level of service for Orange Land Utilities as "satisfactory."
"So here we are still with the same nasty water, but with the higher bill," said Hampton.
Spectrum Bay News 9 reached out to Orange Land Utilities for comment, but the company's offices were closed for the night.