BOLINGBROOK, Ill. (WLS) — Dozens of southwest suburban residents and lawmakers voiced opposition Tuesday night to Illinois American Water’s proposed $142 million rate increase during an Illinois Commerce Commission hearing in Bolingbrook.

Nearly every speaker during the first hour of the hearing spoke against the proposal, with many concerns centered on affordability and the impact of higher utility costs on families and seniors.

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Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta urged regulators to reject the request.

“Water is not a luxury. It is not optional. It is a basic human necessity,” Alexander-Basta said.

Illinois American Water President Rebecca Losli defended the proposal, saying additional revenue is needed to support infrastructure improvements.

“We do this because of our customers. We are investing in this because of you. We want less water main breaks, and less constructions, less water boil orders. Simply put, continuing to invest in our water infrastructure is critical to ensuring that we provide reliable service to all of you,” Losli said.

According to Illinois American Water, the proposed increase would add about $14 per month for a typical customer using 3,500 gallons of water. Wastewater customers would see an increase of about $28 per month.

Several residents told regulators they are still feeling the effects of the utility’s previous rate increase. Pat Smith described changes she has made to reduce water use.

“I bathe twice a week now, instead of every day. I wear my clothes multiple times before washing,” Smith said. She later added, “This is unacceptable and the longer it goes the worse it’s going to get.”

Bolingbrook resident Michael Boyd also expressed concern about the proposal’s impact on customers.

“What concerns me is the frequency and size of the proposed increase and what it means for ordinary families who are already struggling,” Boyd said.

Several elected officials also called on the Illinois Commerce Commission to deny the request.

Illinois state Rep. Natalie Manley told attendees, “Just because it’s legal does not make it right.”

Alexander-Basta echoed that sentiment, saying, “Today, Bolingbrook is taking the lead in saying what people across the state have been saying for years: Enough is enough.”

Additional hearings in the case are scheduled for August. The Illinois Commerce Commission is expected to issue a final decision by Dec. 18.

Two teenage boys were transported to the hospital after they were rescued by friends and bystanders from Lake Michigan at Illinois Beach State Park near Zion Monday evening.

The Beach Park Fire Department and Lake County Sheriff’s Office responded around 6:15 p.m. Monday to Adeline Jay Geo-Karis Illinois Beach State Park, 1 Lake Front Drive in unincorporated Zion, for a report of a water rescue.

911 callers reported two people in Lake Michigan struggling approximately 100 yards from shore.

Beach Park Fire Department Battalion Chief Thomas Hopkins said crews arrived and learned two teenage males had been in distress in the water.

They were rescued by friends and bystanders and were on shore when emergency crews arrived.

A significant response was initially dispatched but was downgraded after it was determined that no one was still in need of rescue, Hopkins said.

The incident happened at the main beach while the victims were swimming with their friends.

Hopkins said paramedics provided medical care to both of the victims and transported them to Vista Medical Center East in Waukegan.

One of the victims, who was doing worse than the other, seemed to improve by the time the ambulance arrived at the hospital, Hopkins said.

Both were awake and talking. Their exact conditions were not known but they were both expected to survive.

Hopkins said visitors at the state park should be cautious and aware. The state provides life preservers at the beach for patrons to use.

Hopkins also said that the state has made safety improvements but Lake Michigan still can be “very dangerous.”

The Zion Fire/Rescue Department assisted the Beach Park Fire Department during the incident.