SAINT JOHN, N.B. – Saint Johners will be paying more for water and sewage services over the next few years if Council approves Saint John Water’s proposed budget next week.

A $58-million water and sewage budget includes a rate increase of $72 next year and additional increases through 2016 to help pay for expensive water treatment systems and harbour clean up.

City Manager Pat Woods says rate increases are inevitable.

“The reality is for the city to take on a project in order of $170-million, no matter what level of contribution they get, as significant as it might be, it’s still going to mean rate increases. It’s just the nature of the beast.”

Common Council tabled the matter with a vote expected next week.