East Lyme — The Water and Sewer Commission voted Tuesday to approve raising water rates by 5 percent and sewer rates by 8 percent. The rates will become effective Nov. 1.

Under the new sewer rates, a “medium user” of 50,000 gallons of flow over six months, for example, would pay $321 over a six-month billing period, up from $297 under the current rates. The new water rate means a “medium user” of 50,000 gallons of water over 6 months will now pay $224.40 per six-month billing period, rather than $213.78.

First Selectman and Water and Sewer Chairman Paul Formica has said the sewer department needs more attention now, especially because of necessary infrastructure repairs. The 5 percent water rate increase is part of a philosophy of raising rates incrementally, he said at the meeting.

At the public hearing, two residents both spoke in opposition to raising the rates. Karen Rak said she opposed raising the rates for reasons that included a need for the town to rein in sewer expenditures and be more fiscally responsible with the water budget.

— Kimberly Drelich