NORWICH – Norwich town board members approved a 2009 water rate increase Monday, but not without some trepidation.

“It could be a little lower. I certainly wouldn’t mind. We’re working toward that goal through dialogue with the city, but it’s nothing too serious,” said Town of Norwich Supervisor David C. Law.

Although the town owns the water pipes, it pays the City of Norwich for the treatment and delivery of the utility to its residents.

The cost of water for the first 1,000 cubic feet in 2008 was $49.61 and will rise 5.25 percent to $52.92 in 2009 for residents in the town.

City residents will experience 4.96 percent increase from $38.47 in 2008 to $40.38 in 2009 for the first 1,000 cubic feet, said Law.

The town board also approved increased sewer rates per 100 cubic feet from $3.75 in 2008 to $4.75 in 2009, a 26 percent jump, explained Law.