The York Water Co. is looking to increase water rates this year.

Chief Financial Officer Kathy Miller said the company plans to say how much that increase will be and when it will take effect in the next few weeks.

York Water Co.'s net income was down about 9 percent in the first quarter of 2008.

The company said the drop was because of slower-than-expected customer growth and slightly less consumption per capita of water. Total consumption of water was up because it added customers.

"It's not a big quarter for any water company," Miller said. People do not water their lawns, for example, in late winter, she said.

Part of the reason for a decrease in water use per person is an increase in water-efficient appliances and overall water conservation by customers, Miller said.

Lynn Romberger, owner of Romberger's Appliance, of York Township, said water-efficient, front-loading washers have taken over the washing machine market in the past decade.

He said about 65 percent of all washers he sells are front-loading. Front-loaders use about 20 gallons of water per load, compared with about 45 gallons traditional top-loading models use.

"Eventually, there will be no top-loaders," Romberger said.

The York Water Co. also said it invested $3.4 million in construction projects in the first quarter of 2008.

The projects have included a distribution system and treatment plant expansion, and an emergency diesel generator for the company's main pumping

Miller said the company is not pessimistic about the rest of the year.

AT A GLANCE

York Water Co. first quarter 2008:

Water operating revenues: $7.506 million, up from $7.385 million in 2007.

Net income from water operations: $1.206 million, down from $1.326 million in 2007.

Earnings per share: 11 cents, down from 12 cents in 2007.