The Lawrence Chamber of Commerce is urging city commissioners to reconsider a proposed increase in water rates.

Lavern Squier, president and chief executive of the chamber, on Friday told members of the Lawrence-Douglas County Economic Development Board he had concerns about the city’s proposed increase and restructuring of water rates.

“We’re saying, ‘Let’s slow down and talk about this a little more,'” Squier said.

Some businesses have calculated that the new rate would increase their water bill by “several thousand dollars” per year, he said.

The amount of increase depends on how much water each user typically consumes. It has been estimated a devoted lawn-waterer could see an increase of $50 per month during the peak summer watering season.

In addition to increasing rates, the proposal changes the way the city charges for water.

Under the current system, the per-thousand gallon price for water becomes less expensive. But city commissioners expressed concern that system may not adequately promote water conservation. The new system would charge a higher per-thousand gallon rate as usage increases.

Squier, who worked extensively on water issues as an economic development official in Hays, warned Lawrence city officials the changes may bring unintended consequences. He said if city residents started conserving water, it could affect the city’s ability to secure future increases in state water rights.

That’s because state officials look at how much water a community has used in the past when deciding how to allocate water rights for the future.

“The state can actually punish you for being what you think is a good steward,” Squier said. “I don’t want the city to get into that situation. But we do want people to use water wisely. We don’t want to waste water, but what I’m saying is that it is a very complicated issue with the state.”

Mayor Mike Rundle said after the meeting he was willing to take a harder look at the rate issue.

“I was never entirely confident that I had a firm grasp on the rate structure changes,” Rundle said. “I don’t think the policy questions were ever as well articulated as they should have been.”

The City Commission delayed a vote on the rate changes at its Aug. 10 meeting and asked for more information from city engineers. City staff said the information probably would be presented to commissioners at their meetings Sept. 7 or Sept. 14.