On the ultra-exclusive island of Indian Creek, near Miami, home to the likes of Jeff Bezos and Tom Brady, a most unexpected conflict has erupted: over wastewater. This enclave reserved for the elite has no sewage treatment plant… and now wants to dump its waste with the neighbours.

An island of billionaires… with no sewage system

Indian Creek is a man-made island, nicknamed the “billionaires’ bunker”. With just 40 luxury homes, it is home to some of the world’s biggest fortunes. Despite this, the island suffers from a fundamental shortcoming: it has no facilities for treating its wastewater. To get round the problem, the local authorities have come up with a solution that is as simple as it is controversial: dump the waste via the sewers of the neighbouring town of Surfside.

Surfside says no… unless it pays $10 million

Faced with this unilateral proposal, the town of Surfside reacted immediately. Yes, it agreed to absorb Indian Creek’s wastewater, but on one condition: that the island pay $10 million. According to the local councillors, this sum is justified by the historical costs of maintaining and modernising their own sewage system, including a debt of 30 million dollars for its recent renovation.

In short, Surfside does not want the country’s richest people to benefit for free from a service that they themselves have financed for decades.

Billionaires appeal to government… and win

But the residents of Indian Creek had no intention of paying the bill. Rather than accept the bill, they took the matter to the Florida legislature. The result: in a clever legislative manoeuvre, a recently passed infrastructure law now prohibits cities from blocking or charging for the extension of wastewater pipes. Thanks to this provision, Indian Creek will be able to connect to the Surfside system free of charge, despite opposition from residents.

This decision has been strongly criticised. Many citizens see it as a blatant example of privilege: an immensely wealthy minority avoiding paying for public services, by passing on the costs to others. The case highlights the growing tensions between the ultra-rich and local communities, particularly in areas where inequalities are already very marked.

At a time when debates on tax and environmental justice are multiplying in the United States, the conflict between Indian Creek and Surfside is a perfect illustration of this divide. Once again, the wealthy seem to be winning out… to the detriment of local solidarity.