Lunenburg Wastewater Treatment Plant overhead view. Photo: CKBW Files.

The Town of Lunenburg is finalizing the details regarding a proposed rate increase for the town’s water.

Mayor Matt Risser says this is part of normal increases that are necessary to maintain the town’s water infrastructure, “The Town is seeking appropriate rate increases to address fiscal realities and support the long-term health of the water utility,” Risser said.

While the final details of how much exactly water will be going up are still being worked out Lisa Dagley with the town’s finance department estimates that for residential customers prices will increase 7.7 per cent.

The current water rates in Lunenburg. Photo: Town of Lunenburg.

“We are still working with the Utility Review Board to finalize details, but right now we think the change will be effective by January 1,” Dagley said.

All rate increases in Nova Scotia must first be approved by the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board.

Dagley says they are also in the process of increasing commercial rates, however, she says how much it will be going up won’t be known until the Utility Review Board reaches a final decision.

The full report from the Utility Review Board’s preliminary hearing on the rate increase can be found online.