This daily column features short news items from the 20 localities that make up the greater Richmond area. On Mondays, we run at least one item from each of the localities.

Prince George County officials have approved a proposal to increase water and wastewater rates for big consumers. About 10 percent of the customer base will be affected by the changes, which will go into effect in the next billing cycle, County Engineer Steve McBride said Tuesday. Large businesses such as hotels and car washes will be most affected, he said.

BURROWSVILLE Jes Sprouse quit his job to follow his dream. He became an algae farmer. Sprouse, 35, grows the emerald slime in a 1-acre pond in eastern Prince George County. If his gamble pays off, Sprouse will turn the algae into enough biodiesel fuel to make himself rich, ease the country’s reliance on petroleum and help fight global warming.

The Prince George County Board of Supervisors will hold a public hearing today on a proposal to increase water and wastewater rates for big consumers. The rate increase is necessary for the county to pay higher water costs and to promote water conservation, said County Engineer Steve McBride. The proposed increases would affect only about 10 percent of the customer base, county officials said.