Two water rate hikes could be coming for CWLP customers

SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) — The Springfield City Council is in the process of finalizing the budget for financial year 2025. City Water, Light & Power has several big projects planned for upcoming years, including dredging Lake Springfield, repairing water mains, and replacing lead water lines. CWLP says they need water rate increases to pay for this critical infrastructure

"We started with this budget basically trying to cut everything we could to try to balance the budget, but we couldn't do it, we would actually would have to cut all the critical infrastructure work that we need, along with actually cutting personnel as well, to balance that budget," said Doug Brown, Chief Utility Engineer at CWLP. "So basically, it's a scenario of where the water department has no cash on hand, owing electric department money, no water main replacements, stopping the lead line service replacements, basically eliminating some personnel and that's not being responsible."

CWLP is proposing two 32% increases to water rates. One would start on March 1, 2024 and the other on March 1 of 2025. This means if your monthly water bill is $100 right now, it would be $132 after the first increase, and over $174 after the second increase.

Right now, CWLP water rates are the lowest in the state according to Brown, and would stay the lowest even after the rate hikes.

"I know we got the lowest water rates in the state ... but our citizens, especially those in my community really feel every twist and move we make," said Shawn Gregory, Ward 2 Alderman

The last time CWLP had a water main increase was in 2011. CWLP officials say material prices have also jumped dramatically since then, making the need for rate hikes in the area even more critical.

"In 2011, we paid about 1.3 million dollars for water treatment chemicals and we are expected to pay close to 3 million dollars for those same chemicals in financial year 2025," said Todd LaFountain, Water Division Manager at CWLP. "The story doesn't get any better as I move to water distribution commodities like pipe fittings, valves, and hydrants."

Erin Conley, Ward 8 Alderman, brought up the fact that between 20 and 25 percent of treated water is lost while moving from treatment facilities to homes and businesses. LaFountain says he hopes to drop that number to 15 percent after repairs.

"You know 5 to 10 extra dollars a month can make an impact for some budgets," said Conley. "But what we are looking at is finally addressing deferred maintenence that has significant impacts on our ability to actually distribute treated, quality water to the city of Springfield."

Ward 9 Alderman Jim Donelan says making this investment is worth is to help the city avoid future catastrophes and make sure the utility operates smoothly for years to come. The funding will also help CWLP update facilities to stay compliant with new legislation.

CWLP says they are aware new regulations would likely require even further improvements and a push towards renewable energy and carbon capture. Brown says without these improvements, the city will not be able to catch up.