Lemoore residents are costing the city money with their water conservation efforts

LEMOORE, Calif. (KFSN) -- Water conservation is improving in Lemoore and it could cause water rates to go up. The city says people are using less water. And the state is asking for a 32 percent reduction, compared to 2013.

Ultimately, this means less revenue. Less money for water infrastructure, to fix wells and pump deeper. The city manager says a water rate increase could make up for it. But city council needs to talk about it first.

Interim City Manager Ron Hoggard said, "What we're asking the council is, discussing the need for a rate study to take a look at what our rates need to be."

The city says an increase wouldn't happen over-night, but it is likely to happen. The last time rates went up, was eight years ago.