Tempe water rates to increase by more than $2 in January 2013 to cover operation costs

TEMPE, AZ - The cost of water is going up next month in Tempe.

The city is raising water rates about $2.41 per month starting Jan. 1.

A typical single-family household currently paying about $44.27 per month will likely start paying about $46.68 per month.

The East Valley Tribune reports that the rate increase is meant to make up for rises in the city's costs to operate the water utility.

But this increase in water rates also will partially cover sewer operations.

Tempe City Council considered raising both water and sewage rates, but opted to only increase rates for water.

In addition to paying for operation of the facilities, Tempe will also begin working on replacing and maintaining its public drinking water system infrastructure in 2013.