Cincinnati council is expected to vote Wednesday to increase water rates by 3.75 percent for each of the next 5 years.
The funds will be used to continue the city's water main replacement program and also speed up efforts to replace lead service lines in the city.
An initial study found the city would need 7 percent annual rate increases to maintain the system. But city officials worked to reduce that number while continuing to make system improvements.
The water works director said plans to offer monthly billing are continuing. That payment option could be available in April 2017.
Meanwhile, Council will also likely vote this week on how to spend about $2 million left over from last year's city budget.
The money will go to about a dozen initiatives including extended hours at the city's recreation centers, heroin quick response teams and the possible Hamilton County housing court.