City of Wheaton, IL
City of Wheaton, IL
22/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 22/08/2024 15:45
Water Rate Changes Proposed to Support Necessary Infrastructure Projects
The Wheaton City Council is considering changes to the City's water rates to address aging water infrastructure, significant increases in the amount the City pays to purchase water, and rising expenses to operate the City's water system.
At its Aug. 19 meeting, the Wheaton City Council received a first reading of a proposed ordinance to implement the recommendations of the Wheaton Water Rate Study, which would include the first adjustments to the City's water rates in 9 years, and annual adjustments to the rate that directly reflect how much the City pays to purchase water from the DuPage Water Commission. These changes would begin with water customers' January 2025 utility bill.
Why These Changes Are Needed:
Water Study Recommendations
The proposed ordinance includes annual adjustments to water usage rates and fees over three years to support the water utility system through 2027. The impact on a customer's monthly water bill will vary based on their water meter size and consumption levels, however the average water customer is expected to see a monthly increase of approximately $6.82 in 2025. To see a full breakdown of recommended rates, see the City's website.
Starting in January 2025, customers' water bills will be displayed slightly differently to show the rate that the City of Wheaton is paying the DuPage Water Commission to purchase water. This is not a new charge; instead, the City's current usage rate will be split into two separate usage rates: DWC Usage Rate (amount the City pays for water), and a City Usage Rate (remaining costs to fund operation and infrastructure work).
More information is posted on the City's website, including the proposed ordinance, Water Rate Study and City staff presentations to the City Council from its May 13 and July 22 City Council Planning Sessions. The City Council will take formal action on the proposed ordinance during its Sept. 3, 2024 meeting, which will take place at 7 p.m. at Wheaton City Hall, 303 W. Wesley St.