Water rates will soon be on the rise in Smithville. According to a recent rate study, the loss of the City of Smithville’s biggest water customer, DeKalb Utility District, will likely cause water rates in the city to rise by as much as 45 percent in the coming five years. Water customers in the city will also face an estimated 40 percent hike in the sewer rate over the next four years to pay for the renovations now being performed at the city’s water treatment plant.