The claim: "Newberry ... supported building the water plant that's making you pay 60 percent more for your water bill."

Jim Gray, Lexington vice mayor, in a radio ad

The ruling: Mostly false

The facts: Kentucky American Water's new treatment plant is not responsible for a 60 percent increase in water rates.

When the company was granted an 18 percent rate increase last year, only about a fourth of that amount — 87 cents of the $3.90 average monthly increase for residential customers — went to pay for its new treatment plant, according to testimony filed with the Public Service Commission.

The water company also implemented a 37 percent rate increase late last month. About 90 percent of that amount would go toward the plant, the company says. The Public Service Commission is expected to rule soon that the company's rate is too high and that it must give back part of that money.

As we've previously stated, it's true that Newberry supported Kentucky American Water's plan to build a new water treatment plant, which was completed last month. Gray wanted to hire a consultant to study a competing proposal from the Louisville Water Co.

The Herald-Leader is fact-checking statements made by candidates and their surrogates in the campaigns for Lexington mayor, the 6thCongressional District and U.S. Senate.