McDOWELL, Ky. — Some Floyd County residents could soon see their water bills going up, if regulators approve a requested rate increase.

Southern Water and Sewer District filed an application to raise rates with the Kentucky Public Service Commission on Wednesday. The utility is proposing to increase both its customer charge and water rate by more than 28 percent.

That would result in the average customer using 4,000 gallons of water a month paying more than $15 extra each month. The average bill would increase from about $60 a month to more than $75.

Southern says in its application that the higher rates are necessary to restore the utility to sound financial condition and keep it in compliance with the Safe Drinking Water Act. The new rates would generate more than $880,000 a year in additional revenue.

After reviewing the application, the PSC can choose to approve, deny or alter the rates. The agency has not yet set a schedule for reviewing the request.