GPIWA issues notice of water rate increase on the islands
Due to the unprecedented inflation over the last five years caused by COVID-19 lockdowns, supply chain disturbances and insurance increases due to Hurricanes Ian, Helen, and Milton, the Greater Pine Island Water Association board of directors, after reviewing the 2024 GPIWA rate study, voted to support a 15% rate increase for the calendar year 2025, as advertised on the front page of The Pine Island Eagle on 11/27/2025.
This 15% rate increase will take effect starting May 1, 2025.
According to a press release from Mikes Maillakakis, PE, general manager for the GPIWA, the real dollar cost of the 15% rate increase is dependent on how much water is used. As an example, a residential household that uses 2,000 gallons/month is now paying $27.42 per month. With the 15% increase, they would pay $31.53 per month, which adds an extra $4.11 per month.
There were no rate increases in 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 as the association was hoping the inflation seen in those years was momentary and would reverse itself. This has not been the case, and the increased cost of electricity, insurance and other expenses require an adjustment to GPIWA’s rates. This was not an easy decision to make as the association board members did not want to contribute to more inflation, but the association could no longer absorb the increased expenses.
Please visit www.pineislandwater.com under the “More” tab, then “Rate Study” to see the recommended new fee structure.