THE VIRGINIAN-PILOT
Copyright (c) 1994, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: Thursday, November 17, 1994 TAG: 9411170510
SECTION: LOCAL PAGE: B3 EDITION: FINAL
SOURCE: BY MAC DANIEL, STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: SUFFOLK LENGTH: Short : 45 lines
In an effort to smooth the way for sewer and water extensions throughout the city, Suffolk officials on Wednesday recommended that homeowners be required to hook up to city water lines.
The city code now requires residents to hook up to sewer lines but not to water lines.
The recommendation was part of an update to the City Council on the effort to extend an estimated $100 million in water and sewer lines to all parts of the 430-square-mile city.
Many Suffolk residents still lack these basic services.
In Suffolk, 35 subdivisions use well water and 62 use septic tanks, said William Harrell, director of public utilities.
Requiring water and sewer hookups would generate money for extending utilities and would spread the cost evenly.
Officials began considering a utility extension policy in May, hoping to begin a systematic and fair process to speed funding for construction without dipping into the city's general fund.
In September, the city recommended a policy that would require residents to pay half the cost of a sewer or water hookup. The city would pay the other half.
Residents also would be asked to pay a percentage of the cost of water transmission mains, sewer interceptors and other ``off-site'' costs.
For example, 108 households in Westhaven Lakes, a development west of the city off Pitch Kettle Road, would each be required to pay $4,493 in on-site costs and $129 in off-site costs, according to city projections.
Officials hope the cost could be spread over several years and have discussed offering low-interest loans.
Some residents and council members have said the cost of hookups is prohibitive in a city where the median family income in 1990 was $31,379.
Moreover, outlying towns like Holland and Whaleyville, where water and sewer service are most needed, would likely be the last on the list because of the high cost of laying miles of water and sewer pipes. by CNB