The Dalles City Council has decided not to implement a planned five percent increase of water rates set to go into effect in November.  Mayor Steve Lawrence says the City’s water revenues were about 135-thousand dollars higher than what was originally budgeted, noting the drought was a partial reason for that, with a spike in municipal water use.  Lawrence added they were also making changes to a list of planned capital improvements to the water system to remove projects that may not actually be needed, but emphasized replacement of the wooden Dog River water main remains a top priority.  A resolution passed in November 2014 scheduled a five percent increase in water rates every November through 2020, but the Council would review the need for the increase annually.  In other business, the Council approved going out for a state grant to pay for a study of housing needs in The Dalles.