Bay City will be facing new water and sewer bill increases, after city commissioners say the Bay County Department of Water and Sewer was increasing rates as well.

Residents and even city board members did not like the increases, but it was agreed on with an 8-0 vote that they were necessary. City Residents using an average amount of water will be seeing a $1.05 water rate increase and a $1.65  sewer rate increase on their monthly bills.

Bay City has been noted by officials as one of the largest users of water in the county. Muscott says the charges are because of distribution costs increasing, and are not related to other projects and repairs such as the city’s lead pipe removal program.