9.4% rate increase begins Philadelphia Water Department customers

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The cost of water will be going up across the city, beginning on Monday.

The typical bill from the Philadelphia water Department will increase by 9.%.

That means the average water bill will now be $89.42 -- an increase of about $9 a month.

Another 5.5% increase is set to take effect next September.

Officials say the increased rates are needed to maintain quality drinking water and cover infrastructure costs.