Chauncey citizens might soon notice an increase in their water bills if the Village Council passes a provision allowing a 30 percent water rate increase.

Councilman Kevin Bennett said council voted at its March 2 meeting to consider the rate increase at its March 16 meeting. He was the only member to vote against considering the provision.

Bennett said he won't support an increase because of the occasionally poor quality of the water. He said he drinks bottled water and uses a water filtration device in his home.

One reason the quality is poor is the age of the water pipes, which have been in place since about 1940, Bennett said.

"I'm sure they are deteriorated," he said.

Jeff Traugh, technical supervisor for Chauncey Water Department, investigated one complaint of poor water quality at a resident's home.

"In my opinion, if she is still experiencing water quality and pressure problems ... she must have some internal plumbing problems," Traugh said in a letter to Chauncey Village Administrator Joe Walburn.

Walburn said the occasionally poor water quality results from hot water tanks, not necessarily the water system.

Because Chauncey has unusually hard water, he said, precipitates could form in the bottom of tanks and get stirred up and flow through the tap.

People can prevent this problem by softening the water themselves and by flushing their tanks frequently, Walburn said.

Walburn said he supports the rate increase because it is becoming more expensive for Chauncey to maintain its water system and to comply with Ohio Environmental Protection Agency standards.

Chauncey's water rate, which is among the lowest in the state, has not increased in about six years, Walburn said. The 30 percent increase would cost the average user 12 more cents a day.