Oak Forest Residents to Pay More for Water

Oak Forest residents will notice a higher rate for their water service, starting with the billing period beginning Jan. 1, 2015.

The total increase for Tier-1 water and sewer charges will be $.78 while the total for Tier-2 charges will be $.88. The water rates will increase from $7.31 per 1,000 gallons to $8.05 per 1,000 gallons for the first 25,000 gallons used (Tier 1), and from $8.21 per 1,000 gallons to $9.05 per 1,000 gallons for usage above 25,000 gallons (Tier 2). The quarterly water base fee will remain $15.

The increase was put in place to offset higher costs passed on by the City of Chicago and the Village of Oak Lawn, and to sustain the city’s water and sewer fund, according to a release from the city.

“Revenue generated in the sewer fund currently is insufficient to cover the cost of operations,” according to the release. ”...According to revenue policies, the city’s water and sewer fund must be a self-supporting one.”

The table attached provides examples of the fee increases.