Homeowners and businesses in the city of St. Louis could see their water rates go up by more than 20 percent over the next three years under legislation being considered by the St. Louis Board of Aldermen.

"We have proposed three 7 percent increases," said Curt Skouby, the director of public utilities for the city. "The first one is next year at July, and then the subsequent two Julys of the following years." He said that amounts to a $21 increase in the yearly water bill for the owner of a typical six-room property.

The rate increases will cover the increased cost of providing clean water, Skouby said. After the final increase, in 2019, the department will be able to borrow $75 million for infrastructure repairs.

The city boosted water rates by 19 percent in 2008, 11 percent in 2009 and 12 percent in 2010.

“And that can be kind of hard for our customers to budget for," Skouby said. "By trying to pass it now, it six months in advance, that gives people time to plan and prepare for it."

Follow Rachel on Twitter: @rlippmann