WSSC says it needs 11 percent rate increase

Suburban Maryland residents and businesses are likely to face another steep increase in their water rates next year, as the Washington Suburban Sanitary Commission says it needs up to an 11 percent increase to keep the water utility afloat.

But Montgomery County’s elected officials said a double-digit increase is unlikely because of a poor economic climate. Instead, County Executive Ike Leggett has proposed, and a County Council panel approved Monday, a ceiling of 9.9 percent.