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Marking World Water Day 2021 on Monday, state Sen. John Connor
said his bill would require private water companies to give
taxpayers an individual vote before their city or village sells
the public water system.
The Citizen’s Utility Board said Illinois’ two largest private
water companies have hit consumers with more than $220 million
in higher water bills to cover a shopping spree as it bought up
34 water and wastewater systems around the state.
A 2013 law allows the two companies to impose rate hikes to
cover the costs of the acquisitions. The law allows the
companies to raise rates up to 2.5% to cover a single
acquisition or a total of 5% for multiple acquisitions.
“I believe people who are on a public water system, both as
taxpayers and water bill payers, deserve an individual voting
say before a structural change in their local government takes
place,” Connor said.
Illinois American Water said the legislation would add
unnecessary delays.
“Many of these cities and villages were facing significant
infrastructure and customer service challenges that had not been
addressed due to lack of funds and/or expertise," Illinois
American Water said in a statement. "The proposed legislation
adds an unnecessary delay to acquisitions that have already been
approved by local elected officials, with input from their
residents and businesses. No community is required to sell their
system. If local leaders choose to go down this path, the
current law includes open, transparent discussions at City
meetings and regulatory oversight.”
A request for a statement from Aqua went unanswered.
Bryan McDaniel, CUB’s director of governmental affairs, said the
consumer loses when a private company is in charge of your
water.
“Profit-seeking investment helps drive bills higher, putting a
corporation between the people and a resource critical to life,”
McDaniel said. “There is no life without water.”
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