BARTOW, Fla. – Residents in Polk County will see a larger utility bill beginning in October due to increasing rates. The water and sewer rates will increase by 6% starting Oct. 1 and will increase by 6% 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.