LEWISTON — City water rates will still be low, even after a 20 percent rate hike, councilors were told Thursday.

“It looks like we are going to be jumping over quite a few water utilities,” Public Works Director Dave Jones said. “But I’ll tell you, quite a few are going through the same things we’re dealing with.”

The proposed 20 percent rate increase is designed to stave off a $654,555 projected deficit next year.

The proposed increase would boost household water rates for an average single-family home using 1,200 gallons of water from $38.40 per quarter to $45.60. Lewiston’s current quarterly rate is about $1 less than Bangor’s rate, $10 less than Portland’s and $11 less than Brunswick’s quarterly rate.

The proposed increase would make Lewiston’s quarterly rate higher than Portland’s, Jones said.

“But I know their water rate is from about 2009, so they are due for a change, too,” he said.

Lewiston last increased water rates in 2010.

Water consumption has not changed, but costs have increased by $406,295 (about 8.5 percent) since last year. Much of that can be blamed on increased costs for electricity and shared expenses of operating the ultraviolet treatment plant at Lake Auburn.

The city has scheduled a public hearing to discuss the rate change at 7 p.m. Tuesday, May 21, in Lewiston City Hall.

Councilors had no objection to the increase Thursday. The new rates would take effect in July if they approve them. Finance Director Heather Hunter said they would be phased in.

“This first year, that first quarter is phased in,” Hunter said. “It would not be a full 20 percent increase for the year.”

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