PORTLAND – The Portland Water District recently filed a water rate increase with the Public Utilities Commission seeking a 1.9 percent increase in revenue, effective May 1, 2011. The increase, which is estimated to add an additional 32 cents to the typical monthly residential water bill and will fund system improvements needed to maintain clean and safe water, according to the district. This increase does not affect wastewater fees which are determined by each municipality.

Customers will have an opportunity to learn more and ask questions at a public hearing to be held Monday, March 14, at 6:30 p.m. in the Jeff P. Nixon Development Center located at 225 Douglass Street in Portland.