City: Evanston's Water Rate Still Lowest in North Suburban Communities

Under the new water rates in 2015, a typical single-family residential customer in Evanston will pay approximately $21 more for water this year than in 2014, the city of Evanston pointed out in a press release issued Thursday.

But even with the 10 percent rate increase, which was approved by the Evanston City Council in November, the city “maintains the lowest water rate” among north suburban Cook County communities.

Evanston’s water quantity rate was $1.98 per 100 cubic feet in 2014, equivalent to $2.65 per 1,000 gallons. As of January 1, 2015, the water quantity rate is $2.18 per 100 cubic feet, or $2.91 per 1,000 gallons. The bi-monthly minimum charges, which vary by water meter size, also increased by 10 percent.

According to the city, the increase “was needed to improve funding for the City’s water main replacement program, primarily to reduce reliance on debt to fund the program.”

“More than half of Evanston’s water mains are 80 to 100 years old, and the City has committed to developing a sustainable long-term funding source to support renewal of its aging water distribution system.”

Residents can view water and sewer rates at cityofevanston.org/utilities/rates.

The new rates reflected in their March water/sewer and sanitation services bill, which will include charges for January and February.