When I got my first water bill after moving here last year, I was stunned. I thought the Illinois American Water Company had made a mistake, so I filed a complaint.
I later found out that the bill was correct, but it took the customer service representative to explain it several times to a very irate customer (me). She explained that the city of Bolingbrook buys its water from the city of Chicago, and that we have to pay for the water to travel to our homes. After that I began to look at my water usage in a different way, looking for ways to conserve.
Then this week I was on the village's website, and I found information about Bolingbrook's water conservation ordinance. It's a policy that mandates when and how residents should use water during the summer from May 1 through September 30.
The village's website states that outdoor water usage is restricted on lawns and landscape sprinkling to either odd or even days of the month, matching your odd or even numbered street address, and should be used mornings from 6-10 a.m., or evenings from 7-11 p.m.
In this age of green talks and economy issues, I thought this water conservation topic is something residents should know about. After all many of us are looking for ways to both save in our pockets and contribute to earth.
I called the village's public works department, and for some reason they responded as though I were the water police. They were uncooperative, and continuously told me that the person I needed to speak with was unavailable. In this day of cell phones, no one is unavailable unless he or she chooses to be.
I ended up calling the Mayor's office. He called me back. All I really wanted to know was if the water conservation ordinance was enforced? He said it was not. Previously, it had been, but when the village switched from using well water to using water from Lake Michigan in March 2001, the problem of adequate water supply was no longer an issue. However, the city left the ordinance in place because conservation was a good idea, according to Mayor Roger Claar.
"We left it on the books because we said we should still conserve," Claar said. It's just good business," he added. "So now we suggest watering (yards) ever other day." he said.
Some Bolingbrook residents, including this one, think that the current cost of water in the village is too high. And the costs are at their current level because we're paying some many entities. Residents pay a surcharge fee to the city of Chicago because Lake Michigan is in their jurisdiction. We pay a surcharge to Bedford Park because our water travels through their piping system, and of course we pay Illinois American Water Company its profit. They earn a 12 to 20 percent margin, according to Claar.
The good thing is that Bolingbrook, Plainfield and Homer Glen are currently in talks to acquire the Illinois water company, a move that could eventually lower customer water rates¬; however, the water guys aren't "willing participants," Claar said.
Although the proposed deal is a little ways down the road, hopefully it's something we can look forward to here in the Brook. And when I know more, I'll definitely let you know. Until then, I'll see you around.
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Debbie Lively is an award-winning journalist, novelist and Bolingbrook mother of two. She also instructs people in the art of writing.
I am disgusted how Illinois American Water is constantly raising rates. Our water bill is now 74.00 for two people. Now they are charging based on meter size what kind of garbage is that. I work in Franklin Park and see the water bills and the water charge is nothing like what Bolingbrook is being charged. We are definitely being ripped off and I think its about time Bolingbrook take control of this matter. American water is now talking about raising the rates for next year. Our utilities are getting out of control and its about time our elected officials stand up and start fighting for the people who elect them to do a job.
During the summer of 08 my water bills were extremely high. I am the only person living in my home and could not understand the large bills. After struggeling to keep them paid on time, I got behind after back surgery in September of 08. Illinois Water threatened to shut me off. I contacted the collection department to apply for a payment plan since I was recovering from radical major surgery, had no income, and a senior citizen, I was flatly turned down. After much back and forth conversation between myself and the thick southern accented individual, I finally asked, "where am I calling?", she responded Tennessee. I was overwhelmed. I suppose the fact that the collection department was in Tennessee made it feasible that the person I was speaking with had no connection to me or my situation in Illinois. Her tone was pay or we disconnect...no leeway no concern, no compassion. I do not like American Water. I love the fact that the water is easier on my skin, etc., but we need to find a way to circumvent 3rd and 4th party companies from having control over our communities. I have been a Bolingbrook resident for 22 years and have always felt there was help here for me if I needed it, not so with American Water's Collection dept.
To whom it may concern.
I have lived in Bolingbrook for 11 years, my water bill has done nothin but go up month after month. I live alone and travel often, I have someone come to my house to check the mail and the house. Last october and part of November I was out of town and no one was using the shower, washing clothes, no watering of grass, etc. When I recived my water bill I was amaized at what Americal water charged me for the months service, over $100.00 dollars. when I called the rep told me to check for leaking toilets or dripping fausets, my respones was I have done that and nothing is leaking. I paid the bill but don't feel that American Waterwas right. Soon after they wanted to change my meter, no problem, I now thought that my bill would be charged at most , the mimunal monthly charge, guess what,I was charged for 9000 gallons and no one was home. This month I was charged for 6000 galons and I was only home for two weeks. When you call they always have the right answer for Americal Water, never for the coustmer, something is wrong, last July when I was home I was only charged for 4500 gallons. Is there a numer I can call to protest the charges from Americal Water? My other question is the mayor ( Mr.Roger Clair) giving breaks to the industrial companies that have moved in to Bolingbrook on water and taxes, as mine have gone up considertly in the last few years.
If you would like to respond please feel free to e mail me at the above address.
Thank you,
Along time resident of Bolingbrook
Hi George,
Thanks for your response. Because I've received so many comments about water rates in Bolingbrook, I'm actually writing a bigger story on the issue, which should run in a couple of weeks. I actually attempted to meet with the Mayor this morning, but he became ill. So, I'm looking to reschedule asap.
thanks again and keep reading.
Debbie,
Why can't we ask American Water for roll over gallons if we don't use the mimmum gallons per month. Many companies let employees roll over days off, phone companies roll over minuets. How many households use over 9000 gallons of water. Why can't we bank our extra gallons and then share them with a household that may be running a little short with funds. Why should American water make money for something that is not delivered to the home owner, and then turn someones water off because they because they can't pay. Debbie I would be interested in what you think
George Hanson
George,
That's a really good idea. Take a look at my water story that's running in the newspaper tomorrow. You'll really understand that they're a business, and why is any company in business?