Lancaster water rate increasing

LANCASTER, Pa. (WHTM) — Lancaster’s water rate is going up. City council voted unanimously Tuesday night to raise rates by 13.7%.

The price hike comes months after neighboring counties saw a similar jump in costs.

Community members are not enjoying the increased bills they are receiving. “It’s one of those things that I really don’t keep up with. I really don’t want to look almost. I want to say it’s around $50-$60,” said Kendra Wolfe.

Gloria Schleicher, another resident, called the price hike, “Alarming. Everything is increasing. We’re on a fixed income. Many of our peers are also alarmed. We’re not sure why it’s happening.”

The price increase is due to the Bureau of Water’s claims that it needs the extra money to cover costs of improving its system.

Some residents say they will simply cut back on usage. “We have to juggle money. We have to compensate in another area. Maybe you don’t dine out as much,” said Schleicher.

The increases prices will not go into effect until October of 2022.