Announced City Water Rate Increase

Chicago announced a 25% water rate increase to take effect in 2012. This will be reflected in our monthly water bills, because Wheaton gets its water from Chicago. However, it was reported that both water and sewer rates will increase. 

On Monday, January 2 the Wheaton City Council passed this vote, as reported in a local news outlet:

“Wheaton residents will start the new year with a 30 percent increase to their water and sewer rates in their next bill.

In a 6-1 vote Monday night, the Wheaton City Council approved the hike from $2.65 to $3.45 per 100 cubic feet of water. The combined rate for water and sewer services will be $5.50 per 100 cubic feet of water used. According to city documents, the average Wheaton customer’s water rate will increase by $9.60 per month, based on an average use of 9,000 gallons per month.”

It was also reported that the commission is expected to increase its rates by 20 percent in 2013, 18 percent in 2014, and 17 percent in 2015. "These increases are purported to be necessary to pay off a $70 million debt."

Well, I got my personal water bill yesterday and the rate for water did increase by 30%. So my water bill for 600 cubic feet was about $10 more than the previous month.