The Root Cause of Palm Coast’s Infrastructure Problems Is Beneath Your Feet

In the late 1960s, ITT Corporation envisioned Palm Coast as a master-planned community designed to accommodate a population of 600,000.

 

By 1988, this projection was adjusted to 225,000 residents.

 

To support this ambitious plan, an extensive infrastructure was constructed, including 533 miles of streets, 529 miles of water lines, and 508 miles of sewer lines.

 

However, as of 2025, Palm Coast's population stands at approximately 112,000—just half of the anticipated number.

 

This disparity means that the existing residents are tasked with maintaining an infrastructure system designed for a much larger community.

 

Compounding the issue, much of the original sewer system utilized clay pipes, which have become susceptible to infiltration during heavy rains.

 

For instance, in September 2024, unprecedented rainfall led to the wastewater treatment facility processing over six million gallons in a single day, pushing the system to its limits.

 

To address these challenges, the city has initiated significant infrastructure projects.

 

In August 2025, Palm Coast celebrated the expansion of Wastewater Treatment Plant 2, doubling its capacity to four million gallons per day.

 

Additionally, the city has approved a $696 million budget for fiscal year 2026, with a substantial portion allocated to water and wastewater infrastructure improvements.

 

These investments aim to modernize the aging system and accommodate future growth.

 

However, funding these projects has necessitated rate increases for residents.

 

By October 2027, water and sewer rates are projected to rise by 36%, translating to an increase of approximately $32.73 per month for a household using 4,000 gallons of water.

 

While these measures are essential for the city's sustainability, they place a financial burden on residents, many of whom are on fixed incomes.

 

The root of Palm Coast's infrastructure problems lies in its overbuilt systems, designed for a population that has yet to materialize.

 

As the city continues to grow, balancing infrastructure maintenance with fiscal responsibility remains a pressing challenge.