An ordinance to increase the price of the groundwater reduction fee charged by the West Harris County Water Authority by 8 cents was passed unanimously during Katy City Council's regular meeting Jan. 12.

The fee will increase the rate of 1,000 gallons of water from $1.03 to $1.11 for single and multi-family homes and commercial units and is retroactive to water bills beginning Jan. 1.

City officials estimate families or businesses that use 3,000 gallons of water a month will see their bills rise about 24 cents a month. Users of 10,000 gallons of water a month will now see a rate increase of about 80 cents a month.

The groundwater reduction fee has not seen an increase since 1999, Councilman Charles Brawner said.