Valencia Water Co. officials are having a special public hearing in April to discuss a proposed increase of water rates for a two-year period beginning May 1.

The proposed rate increase would raise the average general metered household’s water bill to $1.64 per month by 2017, according to Valencia Water Company officials.

That cost is based on the average usage of 100 cubic feet of water monthly, or about 750 gallons.

The current rate, based on 100 cubic feet, is $1.47, officials said Thursday.

The water retailer’s governing board is hosting the meeting April 2 at 6 p.m. in Valencia High Schools multi-purpose room, and it’s open to the public.

“The board plans to take action at that meeting,” said Keith Abercrombie, Valencia Water Company’s general manager.

The first rate increase, if adopted, will go into effect May 1; a second one would then take place Jan. 1, 2016; the final rate increase,  and for the last time on Jan. 1, 2017.

About 35 percent of VWC water is expected to be bought from Castaic Lake Water Agency in 2015, according to VWC officials. That number is expected to rise to 50 percent by 2017.

Board members will consider all oral and written testimony regarding the proposal, but all written comments or objections must be signed and submitted by a customer or property owner prior to the meeting.

The rates are expected to produce an increase in annual revenue of 7.62 percent in 2015, a 4.37 percent increase in 2016 and a 2.32 percent increase in 2017.

For more information on the proposed rates click here.