(WSB Radio)  If you thought water wars went away with the drought, think again.

Already paying more than their neighbors in the city of Atlanta, Sandy Springs residents are now being hit with an increase of more than 12-percent. That means they're paying 21-percent more for water than are residents of Atlanta.

Atlanta city officials say that, even with the increase, Sandy Springs residents are getting a deal.

"The rate differential that the city charges was found to be not only legal, but appropriate," says Janet Ward, with the Atlanta Department of Watershed Management.  "The average rate differential is 42%.  The city charges 21%, which is half the average rate differential."

But Sandy Springs Mayor Eva Galambos says this won't stand.

"We're taking all steps to go in the direction of our own distribution system," Galambos says.  "The city of Sandy Springs, under this service delivery agreement, wants to have the right to treat, distribute and bill for water."

The water dispute between Sandy Springs and Atlanta is expected to go to mediation  and could end up in court later this year.