The Suffolk County Water Authority board on Tuesday unanimously passed a rate hike with a new tier system that may hit some homeowners harder than others.

Under the authority's plan, rates will go up across the board, but a second tier will also be created for those who use the most water. The average customer will see their rate increase by a little more than 6.6 percent, which equates to about $27 a year. For those who push past the usage threshold, the increase will be even steeper.

But the water authority says typical residential homeowners don't figure to fit into that higher tier. Instead, apartment and condo complexes and especially large homes figure to land in that second tier.

Suffolk Water says some of its biggest users include Stony Brook University, National Grid and the county itself. Some question whether the tiered system could lead to a trickle-down increase to utility bills for customers, but Suffolk County Water Authority board chairman Pat Halpin says the plan is designed to meet budget needs while promoting water conservation.

Some residents say the hike is another reason to drive them off of Long Island.

The new rates are set to take effect next month.