DeKalb residents will flood more money into the city every time they flush.

As of Jan. 1, sewer rates increased 40 cents. The cost per unit of metered water usage rose from $1.60 to $2. One unit equals 100 cubic feet, or 748 gallons.

A variety of reasons caused the cost hike.

“Increase expenses for lift station repairs, declining revenues from the disconnection of Cortland users and inflation have caused sewer rates to increase,” said Mike Zima, DeKalb Sanitary District manager.

Though the rates have already been increased, home owners should not expect the pay change in their bills until April.

The last time rates were increased was January 2005, Zima said.

Despite the increase, DeKalb’s rates are not as high as nearby cities.

“For a single family home in DeKalb, it will cost roughly $372 on an annual basis,” Zima said. “For Sycamore homes, it will cost around $490 a year.”