Residents in Polk and Pasco Counties will see a larger utility bill beginning in October due to increasing rates. The water and sewer rates will increase starting on Oct. 1 for both counties. In Polk County, the rate will increase by 6% and increase by the same percent every year through 2028, according to a county news release. The surcharge on water usage is meant to supplement the alternative water supply projects and will increase by 25 cents per 1,000 gallons every year until 2028. A similar surcharge will be added to reclaimed water usage, according to county officials. MORE: https://www.wtsp.com/article/news/local/polkcounty/polk-county-utility-rates-to-increase/67-15171502-dd13-4be0-b320-9643fbcbcccb