State regulators have approved an 8 percent increase in water and sewer rates for the average customers of the West Virginia-American Water Co. The new rates became effective Saturday, February 24th.

Under its 58-page ruling, the Public Service Commission of West Virginia said the average water bill (3,400 gallon usage) should increase by $5.69 a month, and sewer bills should increase by $5.59 a month.

The company filed for a 22.5 percent increase in rates…