Stricter water regulations mean more expense for cities

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- City officials across Oklahoma say they're struggling to find money to meet new water quality regulations. <br><br>Larger cities had to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act

Monday, October 6th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

(Oklahoma City-AP) -- City officials across Oklahoma say they're struggling to find money to meet new water quality regulations.

Larger cities had to comply with the Safe Drinking Water Act by last year, but smaller towns and communities face deadlines ranging between now to 2006.

Jon Craig of the state Environmental Quality Department says Oklahomans can expect to see their water bills increase.

Water treatment plant designer Mike Chapman says people now paying 25-dollars a month for water may eventually be paying about 40-dollars a month.

Among the new requirements is increased testing for water contamination.

In the past, testing was required for 30 substances that could contaminate the water supply. The new regulations require testing for 130 contaminants.