East Lyme — The Water and Sewer Commission voted to approve raising water and sewer rates at its meeting Tuesday.

Water rates will increase by 5 percent and sewer rates will increase by 3.5 percent. The rates are calculated over a six-month period. The increases will become effective Nov. 1.

First Selectman Paul Formica said the water and sewer rate increases are part of a philosophy of raising rates incrementally.

The increases will help cover capital projects, such as proposed improvements to water meters, according to the commission.

No one from the public spoke at the public hearing for the rate increases that preceded the regular meeting.