MINERAL RIDGE, Ohio - Communities in both Mahoning and Trumbull Counties could potentially be seeing an increase on their water bills in 2023.

Mahoning Valley Sanitary District's (MVSD) Chief Engineer, Michael McNinch tells 21 News that he's already spoken to the City of Niles about this rate hike on Wednesday and the Village of McDonald the day before.

McNinch tells us both communities were "receptive and understanding" of the need for a rate increase due to the current economic climate and record-high inflation.

However, McNinch says inflation isn't the only reason for the increase stating that MVSD has three capital improvement projects for the water treatment facility and revenue generated from these increases would help fund those projects.

"We want to make sure that our neighboring cities know what those projects are and that this is the best course of action for the future of the Mahoning Valley," McNinch said.

McNinch is scheduled to meet with the City of Youngstown to discuss the potential rate hike on Thursday, November 10 at Youngstown City Hall. 

It is at this meeting that MVSD will finalize exactly how much these communities' water rates will increase by.

McNinch says it will be up to the individual communities on whether or not the costs will be passed on to residents and businesses.