WAUSAU, Wis. (WSAU) – Sewer and water rates in Wausau could go up next year under a proposed increase approved by city regulators this week.

The city's Water Works Commission recommended increasing water rates by 3.8 percent. Sewer rates could go up between 20 and 30 percent.

Officials say the higher rates will help pay for increased fuel costs and the higher costs of chemicals used to treat water and sewage.

If approved, most customers would see their bills increase an average of $5 to $7 a month.

The increased water rates have to be approved by the state Public Service Commisssion.

The higher sewer rates won't be approved until the city holds a public hearing on the increase sometime in the next month.