WASHINGTON — District of Columbia residents are getting a little bit of money back on their water bills.

The District of Columbia Water and Sewer Authority says customers will get a one time rebate averaging a little over $9. The agency’s general manager said in a statement Wednesday that the agency was able to reduce costs in the past year and feels the best thing to do with the money is to give it back to customers. General Manager George S. Hawkins says the money will also offset upcoming rate increases.

The agency’s board of directors approved the customer rebate, which will total $4.2 million. Customers will see the one-time rebate on their bills beginning in January, though some customers may see it as late as April.

Follow WNEW on Twitter.

(© Copyright 2012 The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.)