City of Wheaton, IL
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:
- Increased cost for water: Wheaton receives Lake Michigan water through the DuPage Water Commission (DWC), which purchases water from the City of Chicago. The City of Wheaton has not increased water rates since 2015 and up to this point has absorbed the substantial increases passed along by the City of Chicago (19.3%) and DWC (15.1%). Over time, these increases have significantly reduced the funding available for the City to address critical infrastructure work on Wheaton’s aging water system.
- Aging infrastructure: Annual investments in the City’s infrastructure are essential, as deferring water main replacements and other critical projects increase the risk of watermain breaks, boil orders and service disruptions. Additionally, the City is currently undertaking a $6.5 million project to replace lead service lines throughout Wheaton, helping ensure a safe water supply for everyone in our community.
- Rising operating costs: With higher material prices due to inflation and rising energy costs, the City’s costs to operate and maintain its water system continues to increase.
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.
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.