Chesterfield Township residents will see a jump in water and sewer rates, following the Board of Trustee’s approval Monday night.

Trustees approved the hike, a 12-percent increase for each service rate, at the board’s July 5 meeting. The city of Detroit has adjusted rates for all communities to which they supply water and sewer services.

Water rates will increase from $3.18 to $3.57 per 1,000 gallons and from $3.26 to $3.65 per 1,000 gallons for second meters. Sanitary sewer rates will increase from $4.24 to $4.75 per 1,000 gallons.

“All I’m doing right now is trying to keep our head above water,” said Joe Gayeski, superintendent for the township’s Department of Public Works. “A lot of people are conserving water, a lot of people are moving out of Michigan. These bonds that are sold are 10 to 15 years old that the city of Detroit holds, so the only way they can keep payment on these bonds is by adjusting the rates. The only thing they can do is raise the rates.”

The city of Detroit called for a 10.3-percent increase in the township; but auditing firm Plante & Moran suggested an additional increase to keep pace with township costs, making the final jump about 12.3 percent.

Last year, water rates jumped 10 percent and sewer rates went up 20 percent in the township.

“If you draw the line between red and black, we’re right on the line,” Gayeski said during the meeting.