NEW YORK (1010 WINS / AP)  -- Want to take your mind off the rising cost of gas these days? It may be time to worry about a gallon of New York City tap water.

The New York City Water Board  approved a 14.5 percent increase in city water rates.

The new rates will take effect July 1.

1010 WINS Audio: Stan Brooks reports

With the economy as tight as it has been, the water rate increase could not come at a worse time. Con Edison is proposing another rate increase as well as the Rent Guidelines Board which recently proposed a rent increase.

The vote comes as a new report says New York City has some of the cleanest and least expensive drinking water in the world, thanks to solid investments in watershed protection.

New York has the largest unfiltered water supply system in the world. The system of reservoirs stretches as far as 125 miles north of the city.

The city has invested more than $300 million to buy upstate land around the reservoirs, and has spent more on conservation efforts, officials say.

The report by the Clean Drinking Water Coalition analyzed the city's Department of Environmental Protection watershed programs, and offered recommendations.

The report suggests the city work to control turbidity, look into alternatives to traditional deicing materials in the winter, and increase education and outreach programs highlighting the benefits of watershed protection.