An EDU is an “Equivalent Dwelling Unit”assigning wastewater system usage based on the water consumption of properties compared to a typical single-family home. (157 gal/day = 1 EDU)

Last week we questioned why the Sun Community development at MM87.5 (55 stilt homes, 90 RV spaces and a huge community center) pays an annual wastewater assessment for just 50 EDUs, $7,523.48, while the tiny 1947 Trailer Park at MM82.9 pays $4,405.76 for 17.21 EDUs.  Where is the fairness? We got no answer.   Are small properties and single family dwellings subsidizing wastewater for the big guys?

This week we noticed an oddity in the EDU numbers for local breweries:

• The two breweries on Upper Matecumbe are listed as having 1 EDU each, though one even has a vacation rental on the second floor.

• The MM90 Brewpub/Restaurant/Distillery has a maximum seating for 160 customers and has 7 apartments on the second floor. They have 7 EDUs (1 for each apartment), none for a 160-seat Brewpub/Restaurant/Distillery facility?  

Bars and restaurants typically have multiple EDUs as they use so much more water than a single-family home. Islamorada needs to fix this EDU issue.  

Islamorada should review all EDU counts immediately. Huge wastewater deficits year after year should not continue.  Wastewater is required to be self-supporting.