Bolingbrook, Homer Glen Mayors Fight Water Bill Increase

The mayors of Bolingbrook and Homer Glen are calling on a state agency to say no to higher water bills. Illinois American Water wants to raise its rates by $136.3 million, which would mean most customers pay more each month. Local leaders say many families in their towns are already struggling to pay for food, housing, and other basic needs. They are urging residents to speak up before a decision is made.

Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta said water is one of the most important things a family needs. She told reporters on Wednesday that Bolingbrook residents already pay about $220 a month for water. She said seniors on fixed incomes and families dealing with rising costs cannot handle another increase. 'People should not be choosing if they should flush their toilet or take a shower,' said state Rep. Dagmara Avelar.

Illinois American Water filed its request for the rate increase with the Illinois Commerce Commission, or ICC, back in January. The ICC is the state agency that decides whether utility companies can charge customers more. A watchdog group called the Citizens Utility Board is also asking the ICC to reject the rate hike. The watchdog group watches over utility companies to make sure their rates are fair for consumers.

If the ICC approves the increase, a typical customer using 3,500 gallons of water per month would pay about $14 more each month. Customers who also use a wastewater system would pay about $28 more per month. Illinois American Water says the money would pay for about $577 million in water system improvements through December 2027. The new rates would take effect in January 2027.

Mayor Alexander-Basta pointed out that this is not the first time Illinois American Water has asked for more money. She said the company has received four rate increases over the past ten years, adding up to about $319 million. She argued that any improvements the company wants to make should come from the money it already earns. 'It is not the time right now to give a for-profit, publicly traded company more money to pad their pockets,' she said.

Homer Glen Mayor Christina Neitzke-Troike also spoke out against the rate hike. She said about 6,000 Homer Glen households are served by Illinois American Water and are already burdened by high water bills. About 100 Homer Glen residents showed up to a previous ICC forum to share their stories, and she hopes even more will come to the next one. 'I don't want to give up,' she said.

Both mayors are encouraging residents to attend a public forum at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, July 14, at the Bolingbrook Community Center. People who cannot attend in person can still submit a comment through the ICC's website at www.icc.illinois.gov. They can also call the ICC consumer services division at 800-524-0795. The ICC is expected to make its final decision by December.

Homer Glen's village website also lists ways residents can make their voices heard. Mayor Neitzke-Troike encouraged neighbors to spread the word and submit official comments to the ICC. The village is working with the Illinois attorney general's office, lobbyists, and state legislators to fight both the rate increase and a proposed merger between Illinois American Water and Aqua Illinois. Bolingbrook's attorney said the village will keep using every legal tool available to protect residents.