Two reports currently before Winnipeg city council recommend water and sewer rates go up by nearly 14 per cent beyond initial estimates, in order to cover the rising costs of upgrading the city's water and sewer systems.

Council had already approved water and sewer rate increases for 2007. But in an updated report on wastewater treatment system improvements, city officials say the projected cost of major upgrades to the water and sewer system has risen 30 per cent, from $900 million last year to $1.3 billion. That estimate could go as high was $1.8 billion, the report says.

If the recommended new rates are approved, "a typical residential customer will see an annual increase to the utility bill of $83.17, from $611.07 in 2006 to $694.24 in 2007 (an impact of 13.6%)," reads a report on 2007 water and sewer utility rates.

"Throughout the province, and especially in the city, we're experiencing huge cost increases in construction projects," St. Norbert Coun. Justin Swandel said Friday.

Some of the proposed upgrades are mandated by the provincial government, in order to improve water quality north of the city in Lake Winnipeg.

The province gave the city 20 to 25 years to make those upgrades, but Swandel said Friday the province should give the city more time.

"What I'm trying to suggest to the province is that what they need to do is look at the environmental licensing that they've put in front of us. Stretch the timelines out a little bit," he said.

Council's public works committee will discuss the reports and their recommendations on Tuesday.