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Peotone Source Water Transition

Peotone Source Water Transition

Important information for our customers in the Village of Peotone

About the Project

Since 2018, Aqua Illinois has been working on a plan to transition the Village of Peotone existing groundwater source to the water from our Kankakee Surface Water Treatment Plant to improve water quality, taste and reliability.

We’ve worked closely with leading drinking water industry researchers and the U.S. and Illinois Environmental Protection Agencies on comprehensive studies to evaluate the water quality impact on the water system and ensure a safe and smooth transition, which we expect to be complete in the fall of 2024. Learn more about the project and what you can expect below.

Timeline 

We are on track to begin the transition Fall 2024. This time frame is subject to change based on permit approvals and construction work yet to be completed. We will provide regular updates as necessary. 

Important Information

Benefits

This project will ensure a stable and efficient water treatment system and continued compliance with stringent environmental regulations.  

In addition, you may notice less odor or discoloration in the water you will be receiving from the Kankakee Water Treatment Plant. Water from the Kankakee plant is among the best tasting water in the state of Illinois, as voted upon at the 2016 South Suburban Water Works Association and 2017 Illinois American Water Works Association Conference in Peoria. 

Safety

The new source has been thoroughly tested for a safe water source transition. We have developed a Risk Management Plan that includes comprehensive testing to evaluate water quality trends within the system during the transition. This enhanced water quality testing was developed to ensure safety throughout the process. As an extra precaution throughout the transition, Aqua will provide point-of-use water filter pitchers upon request for all residential customers served by the Peotone water system for a one-year period to ensure the safety of their drinking water. You can request a water pitcher and one-year supply of filters by calling 815.614.2066. Limit to one per home. 

Rates

Our agreement with Peotone has kept the water usage rate, fire protection charge and base rates the same since we purchased the system in 2018. Once the transition is complete, Village of Peotone rates will increase to match Aqua’s state-wide consolidated rate of approx. $61.33 per month for water service and approx. $69.27 for wastewater service, based upon 4,400 gallons of usage and a 5/8" water meter.  

This increase is not connected to Aqua Illinois' current rate case, which reflects our investment in infrastructure since 2018. That new consolidated rate structure will likely go into effect in December 2024. 

FAQS

How are you ensuring safety?

We’ve worked extensively with leading drinking water industry researchers and the U.S. and Illinois Environmental Protection Agencies on studies and permitting activities to achieve a safe and smooth transition. We will continue with enhanced water quality testing to ensure safety throughout the process.

Will I need a water softener?

The water from the Kankakee River has less iron and hardness than your current water. Once the source water switch is made, you should no longer need water softeners to reduce hardness or iron discoloration.

For those who wish to continue softening the water, consider reducing the softener settings to 8-9 grains of hardness per gallon (GPG) from the 25-43 GPG that’s currently required. This will reduce the amount of salt required by 75%- and it helps the environment. 

Why are two rate increases being proposed?

The rates you pay are driven mainly by the investment we make to replace the aging infrastructure and comply with new regulations and changes in our operating costs.  

The first increase was agreed at the time Aqua purchased the Peotone system to occur once the transition was completed. That increase affects Peotone customers and will bring them up to match the consolidated rates across the state.  

The second proposed increase is a result of a request we filed in 2024 to recoup costs associated with current operating expenses and more than $200 million in infrastructure investments in the system. These investments improve reliability and service for customers across the state and include extensive water main replacement, water production and treatment equipment, and wastewater treatment and collection equipment. In addition, the requested rate increase reflects changes in rising operating costs including chemicals, power, fuel and labor to operate the utility.

Experts at the Illinois Commerce Commission are reviewing our application and scrutinizing our request. They will recommend and set the final rate, which we expect in late 2024.

Aqua Illinois has maintained our current rates for six years. We last filed a rate increase in 2017 to fund $28 million in capital improvements from 2010-2016, with new rates going into effect in 2018. 

Are there any bill payment assistance programs?

We understand rate increases can be a challenge for some of our customers, and we’re committed to doing everything to support you. We have several financial assistance programs available that make monthly bills more affordable. Learn more about which programs you may be eligible for at: https://www.aquawater.com/customers/customer-assistance-programs/index.php 

Questions? 

For questions related to the project or to request a filter, please contact 815.614.2066. For all other questions, contact our Customer Service team at 877.987.2782. 

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762 West Lancaster Ave., Bryn Mawr, PA 19010
877.987.2782
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