A proposal has been made to increase the water bill rate in Hastings from next year – but it’s still not a done deal.

According to a post on the city’s websitestaff recommended a 10 percent increase to pay for the construction of the first of three water treatment plants to remove PFAS and nitrates from drinking water. Dan Wietecha, the city manager for Hastings, said the city needs to have factories built by 2029.

However, the rate increase must be considered by Hastings Town Council. The city says the consideration is currently scheduled for a Dec. 2 meeting.

If approved, the increase would take effect in January. Another water rate increase may occur in July 2025, however that rate is not known at this time. CLICK HERE to see what a sample quarterly invoice would look like if approved and HERE for additional information on planned growth.

The 10 percent increase would be 6.5 percent for construction costs, while the remaining 3.5 percent would be for inflation and scheduled maintenance of existing infrastructure.

City officials wrote Tuesday that the first water treatment plant is expected to cost more than $26 million. So far, only $3.2 million has been given to the city in grants from the MPCA. However, officials say another $14 million in funding is possible thanks to a settlement through the 3M East Metro deal, leaving more than $9 million.

In total, city officials estimate the cost of all three plants at $68.89 million.

As 5 EYE WITTNESS NEWS reported in Aprilfive of the city’s six wells were found to have levels of PFAS above newly established national limits for the so-called “forever chemicals.” The city previously said PFAS levels did not exceed MDH guide levels until the new EPA limit went into effect.

PFAS are man-made chemicals used in the manufacture of consumer products. They do not break down in the environment and can be harmful to humans. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says the chemicals can lead to increased cholesterol, changes in liver enzymes and pregnancy complications. They are also linked to some types of cancer.

RELATED: The entire Mississippi River bordering Minnesota will be sampled as part of the new initiative I MDH provides update on water contamination plan I As PFAS proliferates in water supplies, experts break down the long-term health effects I The Homeowner’s Guide to Filtering PFAS from Your Water Supply I Hastings residents are questioning the safety of their drinking water, with officials working on a solution