County won't cut off free water

The free water will continue at the agricultural center, but only one gallon at a time.

Highlands County facilities manager David Flowers said abuse and vandalism - not cost-cutting - prompted his decision to stop allowing free water at a civic center spigot, which was frequented by many county citizens.

The flow would have ended on March 1, but Tuesday, Flowers told the commissioners he's reversed that decision. Instead, he'll put in a button-controlled spigot that will allow only one gallon at a time. There will also be room under the spigot for a one-gallon jug, not five gallons.

Also, a garden hose can't be used. The threads will be cut off the new spigot, he said.

Finally, Flowers said, the $60 per month water bill from the city of Sebring he mentioned was really for the entire building, not just the free spigot. He does plan to install a separate meter on the spigot though, to determine how much free water is being used.

Rural citizens like herself have been getting civic center water because their own wells are contaminated, said Rosie Earp.

Commissioner Edgar Stokes mentioned an e-mail from Tom Higginbotham at the state health department in Sebring, which said the state Department of Environmental Protection will provide free relief at no cost to the consumer. Higginbotham also has requested that Tallahassee waive fees for initial testing of the well.

"Our citizens should know this," Stokes said.