Tap fees for water service on new homes and commercial buildings will rise an average of 7 percent for Denver Water customers next year under a rate increase approved by the Board of Water Commissioners.

The increase takes effect Jan. 14. The one-time fees are typically paid by builders and differ according to lot and building sizes.

For example, the residential tap fees will increase from $2,000 to $2,125, with additional charges added based on the square footage of the lot. The tap fee increase is designed to help raise money to pay for maintenance and expansion of Denver's water delivery system.