POLK COUNTY, Fla. \- Polk County Utilities customers will experience an increase in their water and wastewater rates starting October 1st, 2024. These rates, which haven’t been adjusted since 2019 (water) and 2014 (wastewater), will rise by 6% annually until 2028. Additionally, surcharges on water and reclaimed water usage will also see yearly increases. Read: Polk County Fire Rescue Chief Hezedean Smith Resigns The county’s Utilities Director, Tamara Richardson, explained that these changes are essential to maintaining service quality and meeting growing demands. Connection fees for new custo…