By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – The Birmingham Water Works Board is planning to increase water rates by 25 percent during the next 18 months. General manager Mac Underwood says the first increase is set for July 1. It would be 6.5 percent. That would cost an average family of four an addition $1.62 every month. That's all if the rate hikes are approved by the five-member board. Underwood blames low demand for water and increasing capital costs for the proposed increases. The Birmingham Water Works is the largest water system in the state. It serves 750,000 customers in Jefferson, Shelby, Blount, Walker and St. Clair Counties.