The Village of Berkeley purchases its drinking water from the City of Chicago. From Chicago, the water

travels through Melrose Park and finally through the Hillside/Berkeley Water Commission to the residents of

Berkeley.

   As you have probably seen on the news, the City of Chicago recently approved substantial water rate increases for the next four years. The approved increases are as follows:

January 1, 2012: 25%

January 1, 2013: 15%

January 1, 2014: 15%

January 1, 2015: 15%

   According to the City of Chicago, these water rate increases will be used to invest in the City’s infrastructure, water purification plants, and pumping stations. The investments at the pumping stations will include the cost to convert four pumping stations that serve the City and suburban communities from steam power to electric power.

   As you may recall, the City of Chicago passed 15% increases in 2008, 2009, and 2010 as well. Theses increases forced the Village to substantially raise its rates and implement a fixed charge for water and sewer service in May 2010.

   The Hillside-Berkeley Water Commission has not yet determined what the final increase to the Village will be for 2012. However, the Commission has informed the Village that the increase could be as high as 30% once it finally reaches the Village. The Village has already begun a comprehensive water rate study to determine what the increase will mean to our residents. The Village is committed to keeping the water rate as low as possible while responding to this rate increase.

   The Village is currently working with neighboring suburban communities through a Water Rate Task Force to challenge the water rate increases approved by the City of Chicago. However, this challenge will be difficult and may take several months or possibly years to resolve. Therefore, the Village does anticipate a rate increase to become effective January 1, 2012. More information on the water rate increase will be included in an upcoming utility bill.