This source water transition ensures a stable and efficient water treatment system and continued compliance with stringent environmental regulations. 

In addition to the reduction in water hardness, you may notice less odor or discoloration in the water you are receiving from the Kankakee Water Treatment Plant. Water from the Kankakee plant is known for its exceptional taste, as voted upon at the 2016 South Suburban Water Works Association and 2017 Illinois American Water Works Association Conference in Peoria. 

As a result of the substantial reduction in water hardness from 36-48 grains of hardness to 8-11 grains of hardness per gallon, we strongly recommend you bypass and/or remove your home water softeners as the source water change has led to improved water quality.

Here are several critical reasons for this recommendation:

Unnecessary Equipment: 

For normal use, home water softeners are not necessary based on the new hardness levels. If you are unsure as to whether or not you would like to remove or adjust your water softener, we recommend bypassing the softener, if possible, to experience the quality of the new water supply without softening. Please consult with your home water softener system provider to adjust the softener settings or completely remove the water softener system since the hardness of the supplied water has been significantly reduced. 

Water Quality Concerns: 

Continuing to use a home water softener will alter the water chemistry. If the system settings are not adjusted to the proper values, the produced water from these home treatment systems may negatively impact the water quality. This reaction can potentially lead to increased lead, copper, iron or other compound levels depending on your home’s plumbing materials and fixtures.

Aqua does 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 your drinking water. You can request a water pitcher and one-year supply of filters by calling 815.614.2066. Limit to one per home.

Health Considerations: 

A home water softener increases sodium levels in the water due to the salt used in the softening process, which can pose health risks for individuals on low-sodium diets. The water softener can also produce chloride waste which can be harmful to the environment.

Special Note for Medical, Food Processing and Other Industrial/Commercial Customers:

If using water for medical purposes, food production, or other production processes, we strongly encourage you to contact your process water professional to optimize any existing water treatment processes in place at your business.

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 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.

On November 21,2024, the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approved a new rate schedule for Aqua Illinois water and wastewater customers throughout our consolidated rate zones to become effective December 5, 2024. 

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