Water rates could increase in 1,294 Illinois muncipalities

EAST PEORIA (25News Now) – The Biden-Harris Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) stated in a press release that all municipalities in the U.S. are required to replace lead service lines that carry drinking water within the next 10 years.

Employees in several municipalities told 25News the deadline is not reasonable for those living in impoverished areas.

1,294 Illinois cities, villages and towns have lead service lines, including East Peoria.

The new mandate requires municipalities to fund and replace these pipes even on private properties that they’ve never been responsible to cover.

East Peoria’s Public Works Department told 25News the city must come up with $2.5 million to cover the project, with no federal funding available from the EPA.

“The city is only responsible for the water main and the service line up to the curb stop and/or property line,” said East Peoria Water and Wastewater Superintendent Cord Crisler. “So, the remaining line is technically the homeowner’s service line.”

Crisler said the repairs could be a financial burden and unrealistic for a city’s timeline, depending on the size.

He believes East Peoria and other communities will likely need to raise water rates to cover costs.

Morton Public Works Director Craig Loudermilk and other anonymous public works directors do not think taxpayers should pay for pipes they don’t use.

“In essence, you’re paying for someone else’s home repair, said Chrisler.”

25News asked Illinois American Water if rates would increase in Peoria.

They responded in a statement saying: “Our water quality experts are reviewing the proposed revisions and will provide comments on the proposal after the review is complete.”

The EPA did not provide an interview by our broadcast deadline.

The EPA requires municipalities to submit replacement plans by early 2024.

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