Corvallis utilities managers are asking the City Council to consider rate increases on water utilities on the order of 2.7 percent, to be effective in February. The proposal calls for a 2 percent increase in both water and waste-water rates and a 10 percent bump in storm-water rates.

The average bill for single-family homes in the city is $60.18. If approved, the rate increase will cause utility bills to cost $1.60 more per month.

Storm-water rates have remained steady since 2001. Utilities Division Manager Tom Penpraze said a new permit from the federal Environmental Protection Agency and state Department of Environmental Quality, which allows the city to discharge storm water into the Willamette River and other streams, requires the city to conduct a new public pollution campaign.

The permits call for new best management practices, specifically a public campaign teaching people how to reduce the amount of chemical and other run-off from their property. Known as nonpoint source pollution, it is a major part of urban pollution problems and, since it is so diverse, is difficult to control.

While the permits don't currently set limits for pollutants, Penpraze said such measures are expected in coming years. State and federal permits are issued every five years.

Local utilities operate separate budgets from the city and pay franchise fees to the city's general fund, as electric and cable outlets do.

In 2007, the council raised city drinking-water bills by 7 percent and waste-water utility charges 3.5 percent for an aggregate bump to bill payers of 4.4 percent in 2008. That money was used to reload a city fund that spent $4 million to replace filters at the water plant and improve water storage.

Last February, water utility charges climbed 3.3 percent; 6 percent for water and 2 percent for waste water. The council will consider the matter at its Dec. 7 meeting.