Measure raises S.C. sewer rates by 30 percent

Sanitary sewer rates in South Charleston will rise by 30 percent,according to a measure passed by City Council.

City officials said they were reluctant to increase the fees, butit was necessary to fund federally mandated improvements that must becompleted by 2010.

"We regret having to do this," Councilman Ben Paul said Thursdayevening.

The increase will pay to construct a water treatment plant next tothe existing plant to help reduce the overflow of untreated waterinto the Kanawha River.

Although the council reluctantly increased its sewer fees, itproudly announced it had won a concession from the West VirginiaAmerican Water Co., which has agreed to …