Cieslewicz today will propose increasing by more than 50 percent the amount of spending for Madison Water Utility infrastructure such as pipes, filters and wells to $16.4 million in the capital budget next year, up from the previous budget's $10.4 million.

Cieslewicz spokesman George Twigg said: "There will be a cost. It will have an impact on water rates. (But) the mayor feels it is worth the investment."

The Water Utility, which already is seeking a 9 percent rate hike from the state Public Service Commission for this year, will need a similar increase the next year to cover the mayor's 2007 initiatives, Water Utility general manager David Denig-Chakroff said.

The current average residential water bill of about $150 annually is well below the state average, he said.

"Madison is fortunate to have a high-quality deep aquifer source for our drinking water," Cieslewicz said in a statement. "These investments will protect that resource."

The mayor's proposal follows a Wisconsin State Journal investigation this spring that revealed numerous problems with management of the utility and challenges faced in assuring clean and plentiful water in the future.

Cieslewicz, who in May unveiled a 10-point plan to improve water quality and oversight of the utility, is addressing management concerns and now putting money behind other promises.

Ald. Lauren Cnare, 3rd District, a member of the city Board of Water Commissioners, said the mayor's proposal meets needs.

"Clearly, infrastructure is one of the most expensive things we do," she said. "It shows a commitment to the plan he put forth."

The mayor's proposal includes:

188 percent increase in spending for water main replacement and construction, from $3.3 million to a record $9.5 million next year. The sum includes $7.5 million for replacement.

Aging water mains, many built just after World War II, have been a factor in contaminants such as manganese reaching home taps, officials said.

Spending $1.1 million for a new Well No. 31 on the Near West Side.

Buying a $2.4 million filtration system for Well No. 29 on the Far East Side, which has shown manganese levels below the EPA's health advisory standard but above its aesthetic standard. The well has been on standby since May, operating only for water main flushes.

Continuing the city's lead pipe replacement program, with $1 million in funding for next year.

The proposals are "very responsive" to the utility's needs, Denig-Chakroff said, adding that Cieslewicz granted all agency requests except for fully funding improvements at the utility's operations center.

Later, as part of his proposed operating budget, Cieslewicz will seek to double to four the number of new wellhead protection plans for next year, Twigg said. The accelerated pace will ensure that plans for the city's 24 wells are in place by at lease 2010.

The protection plans provide important information about areas around wells and give the city more authority to control development near them.

The mayor next month will propose full capital and operating budgets for 2007. The City Council will give final approvals in November.