By Karen Haave

Aqua Illinois has announced the completion of major water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in the Village of Peotone, as well as the source water switch transition for the estimated 4,283 customers it serves there.

The announcements come as residents are reeling from bills showing the first rate increases planned from the start of Aqua’s $12 million 2018 acquisition of Peotone’s utility. 
At the time of the purchase, Aqua officials estimated that bills would triple once the privately owned utility company began pumping Kankakee River water to Peotone in 2020. But residents said last week that the increase has been far greater, pointing to quarterly bills that went from $50 to more than $200 between September and November.
Customers could be in for even greater shock when the Illinois Commerce Commission rules on the rate hike Aqua is seeking for all of its Illinois customers later this month. Aqua proposed a $19.2 million increase in January. But state regulatory judges recommended in October that the ICC approve a lower rate hike of $10.9 million. 
The Citizens Utility Board (CUB) has argued, however, that the increase would still be too high, citing ongoing customer criticisms of ballooning  price increases, poor quality water, inadequate customer service, and loss of control over those issues, because Aqua is a private entity and not accountable to the residents of the community, as a local elected body would be.
CUB is a nonprofit, nonpartisan consumer advocacy group created by the Illinois General Assembly in 1983 to fight for the rights of customers of investor-owned electric, gas and telecom utilities across Illinois.
The Illinois Commerce Commission is expected to make a final ruling on the proposed rate hike by November 21. The ICC could follow the judges’ recommendation or make additional changes.
Meanwhile, in a press release on October 8 Aqua listed “key improvements” to the water-sewer system with the river water transition:
Source Water Transition: “Aqua Illinois successfully transitioned Peotone’s water supply from groundwater (well water) to surface water from its Kankakee Water Treatment Plant, delivering improved water quality and increased reliability. These investments were made without increasing service costs to customers until the source water transition was complete.”
Infrastructure Investments: “Aqua replaced 5,580 feet of aging water mains, replaced service lines, extended water and sewer service to the west side of I-57, restored the Lincoln Avenue and Rathje Road elevated tanks, and replaced a number of fire hydrants to enhance community safety.”
Wastewater Treatment Upgrades: “Aqua replaced the Hauert Street Lift Station and the clarifier equipment at the Peotone Wastewater Treatment Plant, ensuring cleaner wastewater is returned to the environment and better overall system performance.”
Aqua Illinois President Dave Carter said, “We’re thrilled to announce the completion of these major infrastructure improvements in Peotone. These upgrades reflect our deep commitment to customers, ensuring we provide the highest quality water and wastewater services and supporting the exciting economic development of our region.”
Peotone Mayor Peter March declined to comment on that press release.
The press release issued on October 29 was very similar to the one Aqua provided on October 8, but telling of  the completion of major water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in Peotone.
 Village Administrator Nick Palmer said that “Having a reliable water and sanitary sewer systems for both our residents and local businesses is critical for any community. 
“The Village of Peotone strives to have good working relationships with all of the utility providers and the village will continue to work with Aqua to ensure these services are available to our residents and businesses,” he continued.
“These systems must be able to plan for and support future growth of our community. We are thankful for the many capital investments that have been made to sustain the water and sanitary sewers, and we look forward to a positive and long relationship with Aqua.”