Turning on the tap is getting more expensive in Louisiana.

The city is raising water rates to pay off mandated system improvements. The minimum increase will be $1.40 per month. The more water used, the more customers will pay.

The city faces an October federal deadline on the project. Huey Construction of Fulton submitted the lowest of seven bids at a little over $482,000. 

The city has a three-month deadline to put the financing in place before work can begin. Officials plan to use a method called certificates of participation secured by lease revenues as part of the package.

The city also is studying an increase in sewer bills to cover costs for its new wastewater treatment plant.