Rates for Apache Junction Water District customers within the city limits increase approximately 2% beginning Oct. 1, which translates to a bill increase of approximately $1.37 a month for the average customer using less than 7,500 gallons per month.

Rates for customers living in the county will increase approximately 4.7%, which translates to a bill increase of approximately $3.47 a month for the average customer using less than 7,500 gallons per month, according to a release.

The increase was approved July 7 by the Apache Junction Water Utilities Community Facilities District board.

Apache Junction City Council members serve as the water utilities community facilities district board.

“The Apache Junction Water District is committed to providing safe and reliable drinking water to our customers. With this commitment comes the responsibility to ensure that infrastructure improvements are made and that the water-system remains financially sustainable,” the release states.

This year major improvements to the water system include utility billing software; and the design and phase 1 construction of a raw-water impound at the Superstition Area Water Plant.

The increase is part of the annual budget and rate-setting process, which includes reviewing operating expenses and equipment replacement costs, leading to the rate adjustment. The rate schedule is available at www.ajwaterdistrict.org, or upon request.

“The Apache Junction Water District makes every effort to minimize rate adjustments,” District Director Michael Loggins said in the release. “We care about the potential impact this may have on our customers so we try and take an approach that is reasonable, sensible and responsible.”

For more information, call the Apache Junction Water District at 480-982-6030.