The Portland Water District Board of Trustees has approved a $37.1 million operating budget for 2009, a 4.6 percent increase from the 2008 budget.

The increase is attributed to higher chemical costs, volatile fuel prices and increased debt service for system maintenance and expansion, according to the district.

Under the budget approved Monday, water rates will increase an average of 6.6 percent, or 98 cents per month for a typical residential customer. This increase does not affect wastewater rates, which are determined by local municipalities.

To help limit the increase, trustees eliminated a total of eight vacant positions in customer service, administration and water and wastewater operations, said Michelle Clement, public relations manager for the district. The district also scaled back the size of its vehicle fleet and has switched to less expensive chemicals, she said.

Trustees also approved a $7 million capital improvement plan to pay for several infrastructure projects -- most notably $3.3 million in water system renewals and $3.1 million in wastewater treatment plant and pump station renovations.

Copyright 2008 Portland Press Herald/Maine Sunday Telegram. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.