Effective immediately, customers of the Oxford Township water system will see their rates increase by $4 per quarter, which works out to $1.33 per month.

Last week, the township board voted 6-0 to increase the flat rate that customers are charged for the first 1,500 cubic feet (or 11,220 gallons) of water from $34 to $38 per quarter. All customers pay this flat rate every three months whether they use this minimum amount or not.

The rate hike is designed to help offset increased costs to operate and maintain the township water system, which has expanded in recent years and continues to expand, according to officials.

After the first 1,500 cubic feet of water, township customers are charged $1.30 for every 100 cubic feet (or 748 gallons) they use. This rate will remain the same.

The township water system currently has 2,983 customers.

This rate increase does not apply to Oxford Village water customers because they are served by a separate system.