OGDEN, Utah (KUTV) -- A persistent problem of brown water coming from faucets has vexed neighbors near Ben Lomond High School for weeks, even months -- and while the city said it's taking action -- it may divert part of its "water enterprise fund" to other city programs.

People in Ogden have received notices of the proposal, which follows city approved water rate increases of 16% over four years.

"Why raise our rates and take that money and apply it to a general fund?" asked Zach Leeper, who complained of brown water at his home, adding he will fight the proposal.

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"It's not to take away from the focus on water, because that's certainly a priority," said city spokesman Mike McBride. "However, it's important to make sure that all of our services are being provided for our residents."

McBride said the money could help pay for fire and police protection, and that the city has already launched an aggressive project to replace old pipes where the brown water, off and on, flows.

Lacey Allen said cold water from faucets was brown a couple of weeks ago at a cafeteria she runs, that employees drew hot water -- which was clear -- and then cooled it with ice.

"If you left it (cold water) running for a while, would it clear up?" 2News asked.

"No, not really," she replied. "We would let the tap run for a long time and it was still brown."

The city, on Thursday, called the replayed scenario "not acceptable," and said it's hired an engineering firm as a consultant to make recommendations on improvements.

While pipes have been replaced, and more are scheduled to be, the city did not have a timeframe on when recurrent brown water in the neighborhoods will, for certain, be a thing of the past.

A public hearing on moving a portion of water funds is scheduled for June 17th.