The water agency for Prince George's and Montgomery counties predicts needing a 19 percent increase in its construction budget to pay for improvements to its aging system over the next six years -- probably meaning more rate increases for residents in the coming years....

In fiscal 2011, the last year for which complete data is available, there were 34.7 water main breaks for every 100 miles of water main, and the agency expects roughly 34 breaks for every 100 miles in the current fiscal year.

To cover the costs, the agency is considering recommendations by a panel of officials from both counties and the agency itself to charge residents an extra rate based on how much water they use. Customers would pay that rate in addition to current usage charges.