You could soon be paying more for your water.

INDIANAPOLIS (WTHR) - You could soon be paying more for your water.

Indiana American Water wants to increase rates by 16 percent by the year 2020. It says that would cost the average customer an extra $5 - $6 a month.

The company hopes the money from the rate hike will help them make $542 million in water infrastructure repairs and upgrades. Projects include:

Significant system upgrades at three water treatment facilities located in Kokomo, Richmond and Muncie to meet more stringent water quality regulations associated with the Environmental Protection Agency’s Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule. These projects include replacing and upgrading aging and obsolete treatment facilities and equipment and, among other things, adding ultraviolet disinfection to the existing treatment process. When used to treat drinking water, UV disinfection provides an additional layer of protection against chlorine-resistant pathogens and microorganisms that could be present in surface water sources.

Building a new water treatment facility in Noblesville, one of the company’s fastest growing service areas.

Converting nine facilities from chlorine gas to liquid sodium hypochlorite disinfection systems to improve safety.

Replacing or upgrading more than a dozen wells, several pumping stations, water filters, large diameter water mains, and other critical facilities serving customers in service areas throughout the state.

Replacing and/or retiring from service nearly 6,700 lead service lines.

Building a solar energy project in Newburgh that generates enough electricity to power the company’s water treatment facilities there.

No changes will be made unless state regulators approve the increase.