30% Elmhurst Water Rate Hike Possible Next Year

ELMHURST, IL – A City Council committee on Monday plans to examine a proposal for a water and sewer rate increase of 30 percent next year.

According to the city, the average user spends $119 a month for water and sewer service. Under the proposal, that would rise to $155 a month next year.

Under a long-term plan, residents would see regular increases until 2031. By 2027, the bill would jump to $173 a month, a 45 percent increase. Residents are billed bimonthly.

According to a city survey, Elmhurst now has the fourth-highest water bills among 17 comparison towns. Only Itasca, Rochelle and Rock Island had higher bills.

In 2021, a city official explained why Elmhurst's water rates are higher than those in other towns.

In its presentation planned for Monday, the city acknowledged it conducted a water and sewer rate study in 2021. However, it said the study is now obsolete because of several market dynamics.

Among its justifications, the city said inflation rose 18 percent in the three years before August and the scope and necessity of capital projects changed.

The city also said it did not realize its targets for income.

According to the presentation, Elmhurst needs to upgrade its wastewater treatment plant to meet regulations. The city also said it must improve reservoirs and potable water pumping stations.