Because of the savings, there would be less public resistance and work could progress more quickly. JEA, the city's water and power utility, will do the work and help with the difficult financing. Homeowners with septic tanks, however, will have to bear some of the cost, so minimizing the impact on homeowners and taxpayers is important. It remains to be seen whether Lake's suggestion is practical. Ray says it has worked well elsewhere, particularly in Charlotte and Flagler counties.
Questions remain about reliability of the pumps and the actual net savings.
The pumps use electricity and would add to the electric bill. To its credit, JEA is investigating to determine the feasibility. It seems worth investigating, and Lake should be commended for raising the issue. If the idea is sound, it will stand on its own. For the sake of the affected homeowners, we hope that it passes muster.