Every city that wants to grow must allow massive building projects for commercial, industrial, and residential areas. However, each project changes the way the city addresses water and sewer services. There are a few things listed below that city planners and construction companies must consider before approving a new development.
How Large Is The Development?
Residential communities differ from commercial facilities. A commercial facility that covers a city block or more only has one water and sewer system. A residential community with 100 homes has 100 water and sewer systems to contend with. City planners may need to consult Merus to expand their services to accommodate these homes, and the city will need to build new sewer and water lines to reach each home.
The City Must Manage Each Sewer Line And Water Meter
The city will bill every customer for their water and sewer usage every month. If a massive residential development includes 200 or 300 homes, the city must manage 200 or 300 more accounts. While the city charges for water and sewer use, the water system may need to hire more employees for billing, service management and maintenance like water pipe condition assessment.
The City Must Maintain Water Pressure In Each Community
Every city that approves new residential projects must maintain high water pressure for each community. While homes use a pressure relief valve to reduce overall water pressure in the house, the water system must maintain high water pressure to deliver the product to each customer. If the city is concerned about maintaining water pressure, it must improve its facilities.
Can Cities Require Residential Developments To Use Well Water?
A large residential project may use well water for every house. However, the city is deeding property to the residential developer and the homeowner. The city can decide how water will be delivered to each home. If the city requires communities to use well water, the local water table could drop too low.
City planners and engineers must consider how much water is available in the area. Well water reduces strain on the local water system, and septic tanks reduce strain on the local sewer system. Each city must decide how much it is willing to invest in a new development before zoning approval.
Residential Developers Must Consider Their Options
Residential developers may consider using well water, or these communities may be designed with septic tanks. Zoning applications may be approved quickly because the city does not need to provide more water and sewer service. However, certain developers will not build homes that require a well or septic tank system.
City planners must understand their current capacity for water and sewer service. Every new building in the community adds to the water and sewer service’s responsibilities. If the city can add homes safely, they will approve those projects. If the city must build new wastewater treatment plants, the city must understand how to pay for these projects.
How Do Cities Pay For Expansion?
Property taxes for every home or building in the community will pay for expanded water and sewer services. The city must understand how much it costs to add water service, how much will be collected in property taxes, and how those taxes should be allocated. If the city cannot raise enough money for expansion, developers may be required to use wells or septic tanks.
One More Thing About Residential Water Service
Every city in America has the right to approve or reject new residential building projects. The city must consider its current water and sewer service capacity. Plus, the city must consider how much it costs to expand, how those tax dollars will be collected, and what should be required of the developer.
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