Water rates for some residential customers in southwest Bakersfield are going up to clean up a cancer-causing chemical.

Water Resources Manager Art Chianello told the city council Wednesday night that new carbon filters will remove 1,2,3 TCP from 41 wells. The three increases totaling about 40% will take place over two years, starting with a 16% increase next month.

Cal Water is suing Dow and Shell Chemical for causing the problem.

Chuck Alan