Hanover Park confronts water rate hike

Water promises to be the precious commodity of the 21st century, just as oil was the previous 100 years.

So get ready to pay dearly.

Hanover Park is proposing raising its water and sewer rates over the next three years by 32.25 percent and 13.5 percent, respectively.

Never mind residents who can't even pay their bills now.

Clerk Sherry Craig said the village on Wednesday shut off the water to 176 residences due to nonpayment from September to November.

Concerned - and in a state of sticker shock - the board voted 4-2 against the rate hike, which would have increased the water rate from $3.61 per 1,000 gallons to $4.91 in 2010.

"Water bills are ridiculous now, and yet we're considering doubling them in five years," said Trustee Bill Manton.

The increase can largely be attributed to the 15 percent water rate hike that went into effect Jan. 1 in Chicago. The city's costs are passed down to towns like Hanover Park that get their water from Lake Michigan. Chicago's water rate will go up 15 percent again in 2009 and 14 percent in 2010.

"We are being held hostage by the city of Chicago," Manton said.

Added Trustee Wes Eby: "(Mayor Richard Daley) is floundering for as much cash as he can find. We're stuck."

Manton says Hanover Park has options, such as reverting to the well system it used before hooking up with lake water. But those familiar with well water slammed its quality. The switch would be expensive, too, at about $250,000 per well.

The idea of dipping into reserves was also discussed, but Hanover Park's funds aren't nearly sufficient.

"It's out of our control," said Village Manager Marc Hummel, who added the current water and sewer budget is operating in the red. He also said the village faces aging infrastructure and multiple water main breaks.

To help offset costs, the village proposed dropping the minimum bill consumption amount to 12,000 gallons from 14,000 gallons. Right now, residents pay a minimum of $50.54 every two months for their water and $3.61 per additional 1,000 gallons. You could be on vacation the entire time and not use a drop, and still pay $50.54. The village's proposal would drop the minimum bill to $48. Schaumburg, for example, has a higher water rate but no minimum bill.

Hanover Park, which last raised water and sewer rates in 2004, will address the issue next month at a workshop.