NEW ORLEANS — Under a proposed rate hike package here, business owners and customers could see their monthly charges almost double, according to FOX8 New Orleans.

The July 17 story stated that, under the new plan, a medium-sized business would see their monthly bill grow from $2,900 to $5,000 in 2016. Two carwash owners said this hike would definitely have a negative effect on their businesses.

Louie Nguyen, owner of Quick Wash and Dry Laundromat, said his water bill is now $700 a month, and the thought of doubling it seems “out of the question.” Further, if the carwash had to drastically raise prices to cover the high water bills, the operation would lose customers and it could drive Nguyen out of business.

Co-owner Rachelle Bourg noted that her Soft Touch Car Wash uses between 5,000 and 7,500 gallons of water each month. Bourg is worried the increase would have an impact on the services and rates that the carwash currently offers.

The Sewerage and Water Board are considering the hikes because of needed system repairs. “We have kicked the can down the road for more than 30 years, we’re bleeding 40 percent of our water, it’s costing us a fortune,” Mayor Mitch Landrieu said in the story. Still, the mayor asked the board to explore options for controlling the proposed rate increases.