New Water Agreement Made Between Chicago Heights, Hammond

CHICAGO HEIGHTS, IL – Residents of several south suburbs will have access to Lake Michigan water for the next 25 years after an agreement between the cities of Chicago Heights and Hammond, Indiana. Chicago Heights will purchase water from Hammond for $2.05 per one-thousand gallons, according to a news release. They will then have the water available for resale to Homewood, Flossmoor, Olympia Fields, Matteson, Country Club Hills, Hazel Crest, East Hazel Crest and Sauk Village.

The Chicago Heights City Council agreed to this at its Wednesday night meeting. The agreement means Chicago Heights will be able to deliver an additional five million gallons of water to the towns listed above immediately. An additional five million daily gallons would be made available once Hammond develops additional infrastructure, according to the release.

“The new, 25-year agreement with Hammond is a historic deal because it will increase the supply of Lake water to more south suburban communities at extremely competitive rates,” Chicago Heights Mayor David Gonzalez said. “Beyond the competitive rates, more south suburban residents will have access to better quality, fresh lake water.”

The current 2013 water deal between Chicago Heights and Hammond will remain in effect, with the new agreement to run concurrently.

Hammond Mayor Tom McDermott, Jr. said the deal means potentially "millions of dollars in savings" for the south suburbs that will now have access to the water.

“Giving them a choice in water supply is a great option for them and their supplier, Chicago Heights,” he said.

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