LEDYARD, Conn. -- Ledyard residents may soon be digging much deeper in their wallets to turn on the faucet.

The town’s Water Pollution Control Authority hasn’t had a rate increase since 2005. In order to cover its current bill of $923,000, the WPCA said rates must be increased by 30 percent.

Water customers told Eyewitness News that the increase is too steep during tough economic times.

“It’s going to make it rougher to make the other bills. … They tell you you’re going to get a 30 percent increase, there’s not a whole lot you can do,” said Jessey Stripling.

While most in town have well water and are not affected, 1,168 customers use municipal water and said the hike will have an overall impact.

“The people that I know that are on the water line are affected and they don’t want another bill,” said Michelle Hinton.

A public hearing on the rate hike will take place Thursday at 7 p.m. in Ledyard High School.