What we West Texans have taken for granted, is now about to cost more. Tuesday night, the Midland City Council voted unanimously to raise water rates from 2.5 to 37.78 percent, depending on usage levels. The Odessa City Council has already passed a similar rate increase.

Residents are angry with the rate increase because they feel they have done everything asked of them to conserve water, but now they are being penalized.

Rate increases aren’t the only thing residents and business have to worry about, water theft is on the rise. One local resident was surprised to find her water bill said her usage had doubled. It turned out, someone had pulled up during the night and filled a large tank with her tap water. Some people have even taken to putting locks on their faucets to prevent theft.

The final vote will take place September 25 and if approved, the rate increase will go into effect October 1st.

Watch the City Of Midland's Watering Restrictions Video:

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