PIKEVILLE, Ky. –  City of Pikeville water customers will soon notice an increase in their bills.  The rate increase was approved by city commissioners at a special called meeting earlier this week. Customers inside Pikeville city limits will see an increase of $2.98 per bill while customers outside the city limits will see an increase of about $16.50.  It is the first increase in water rates in more than a decade. City officials said the increase was needed to keep the city’s utility fund operating without a loss.  The increase will take effect the next billing cycle, which begins Friday, February 1st.