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 In 2001, the City of West Chicago increased its water rates for the first time in over 15 years, a decision necessary in order to finance the construction of the water treatment plant and related infrastructure that was being mandated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA).
While the water rates increased dramatically in the following few years, more recently there were more modest increases. As you can see from the accompanying chart, West Chicago's rate compares very favorably to our municipal neighbors. Many surrounding communities have Lake Michigan water, and are having to increase their rates to cover not only the higher charges levied by the City of Chicago, but also to make up for some financial problems within the DuPage Water Commission, an agency with which West Chicago has no connection.
Other municipalities get their water from shallow wells only (e.g. St. Charles and Warrenville), and the EPA's regulations did not require them to build water treatment facilities, so their rates can (and will) remain at significantly lower levels when compared to West Chicago.
Since 2008, the City has maintained its rate at $3.88 per 1,000 gallons, and the City Council has committed to doing whatever it takes to keep that rate stable in the short- and mid-term.
Don Earley
City Treasurer |
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