KANKAKEE, IL – State Senator Patrick Joyce (D-Essex) has expressed concerns over Aqua Illinois’ proposed rate increase for water services.
In a statement released Wednesday, Joyce criticized the timing and potential economic impact of the hike on families. “Now is not the time to place another economic burden on residents by hiking up the price of an essential resource,” said Joyce. He emphasized the need to balance sustainable funding with community affordability.
According to Aqua Illinois, the rate increase, announced earlier in January, could see water bills in Cook County and 13 other Illinois counties rise by an average of $1 per day, starting in December.
The increase is under review by the Illinois Commerce Commission and would affect both water and wastewater services, leading to an estimated monthly increase of $29.91 for the average household.
The last increase was in 2017, with infrastructure improvements cited as the main justification. Public hearings by the ICC will provide residents an opportunity to voice their concerns.
