Denver Water Customers To Pay More

DENVER (CBS4)- Denver Water has approved a 5.5 percent rate increase for its customers starting January 2012.

The Denver Water board approved the rate increase Wednesday. Board members said the rate hike is the only way to continue the upkeep of the water system since the utility does not receive tax dollars.

Five point five percent breaks down to $19.43 per year or $1.62 per month. Suburban customers will pay an extra $34.11 per year or $2.84 per month.

"We actually have had rate increases for a number of years," Denver Water spokeswoman Stacy Chesney said. "Each year the board and our staff really closely look at the projects that need to happen in the next year so we don't know what will happen in 2013."

Denver Water has compiled a list of practical ways to cut back on your water bill. DenverWater.org/Conservation/TipsTools/.