City of Apopka residents will pay more for water, sewer and garbage pickup starting Oct. 1.

On Wednesday, commissioners unanimously approved a 6% rate hike for water, sewer and reclaimed water, as well as a 6.5% rate hike for garbage.

A notice sent to residents last month tied the increase to anticipated operating costs, capital expenses and continuing cost increases.

“We didn’t want to raise rates, but we gotta get these projects done,” said Apopka Mayor Nick Nesta. “At the end of the day, if you want quality water and water that has the right pressure… these projects have to get done.”

Under the plan, the combined base charge for water, sewer and garbage would go from $65 a month to $69. That doesn’t include what residents would pay based on how much water they use.

The rate increase comes amid concerns about the quality of drinking water in the city.

Last month, the city confirmed that the Florida Department of Environmental Protection is conducting an ongoing investigation after inspectors documented 11 possible violations involving the operation and maintenance of Apopka’s public water system.

However, the city said the water was still safe to drink.