Does anyone else see a disturbing trend when it comes to water rates in the region? Only days after Fredonia hiked rates $2 per 1,000 gallons of water used did the North County Water District.

According to last week’s meeting, the water district board agreed to accept the hike to $5.16 per 1,000 gallons sold to the district. It will take effect in April’s billing cycle. The current rate is $3.84 per 1,000 gallons.

“We see some increases required” in the price of water sold to the district, said Randy Woodbury, Dunkirk Department of Public Works supervisor. “Internally, we want to think about addressing a similar action.”

Inflation could be considered one of the impacts on increased water rates, but there is one more as well: fewer users. Village of Fredonia has fewer users through industry and the State University of New York.

It’s the same situation for the North County Water District. Less population means fewer users.

Legislators in Mayville have to offer a final decision on the rate hike. Knowing their history with passing on increases to users, this approval will be right down their alley.