At its May 30th meeting, the board of directors of the Water Authority of Western Nassau County approved a 7.56 percent increase in water rates after approving the 2006-07 Operating and Capital Plans. The rate increase, effective June 1, 2006, was required to provide the revenue necessary to offset increases in power, chemical and construction costs.

The quarterly bill for the minimum use customer will increase from $21.47 to $23.09. Average annual residential charges, (based on average of 110,000 gallons per year) will increase from $239 to $257. Average annual commercial charges (based on 481,400 gallons per year) will increase from $970 to $1,043. The annual rate charged per fire hydrant will increase from $519 to $558.