Water and Sewer Rates

New rates effective January 1, 2026. 

Please see below for more information and answers to frequently asked questions (FAQs).

Village utility bills are issued monthly and include charges for both water and sewer consumption per 100 cubic feet, which is the standard unit of measurement for these two types of utilities. (One cubic foot is the same as approximately 7.5 gallons.) The minimum usage billed is 200 cubic feet per month.

Please note that a 10% late fee is added if bill is paid after the due date.

Here is an example of how an average quarterly utility bill may change based on consumption:

Frequently Asked Questions:

Why are water and sewer rate increases needed?
Water and sewer rate increases are required for several important reasons.

Water rate increase: Necessary to comply with State-mandated water system replacements and other critical community infrastructure improvements.

Back in 2017, the Village conducted a water and sewer rate study that analyzed the Village’s utilities, long-term infrastructure needs and necessary costs of maintaining well-functioning, reliable water and sewer systems. The study proposed a water and sewer rate schedule with annual increases through 2027 that would allow the Village to maintain financially stable Water and Sewer Funds, while investing in the ongoing maintenance and replacement of aging utility infrastructure. Additional information about the Village’s 2017 study can be found on the Village’s website here. The Board adopted the study’s recommended increases in 2019 but suspended increases due to both the COVID-19 pandemic and greater water sales, which provided the Village with sufficient funding to complete scheduled water and sewer infrastructure improvements.

However, the State of Illinois adopted its Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act in January 2021, an unfunded mandate, that requires all Illinois communities to replace lead service lines in municipal water systems. To understand the Act’s impacts to our community, the Village conducted a comprehensive water service line study in 2022 and created a lead service line inventory. Based on survey results and State law, the Village is preparing to soon replace its lead service lines in the community. Future annual lead line replacement expenses are in addition to the costs the Village has already budgeted for important water capital projects. Village staff have diligently worked to comply with the Act’s requirements and evaluate potential sources of outside (non-Village) funding, but financial assistance from either the State or Federal governments is not available to La Grange Park at this time. 

Sewer rate increase: Necessary to maintain and operate effective sanitary and storm sewer collection systems.

The Village’s 2017 rate study recommended that the Village invest $400,000 annually in capital improvement projects to ensure effective sewer services. The Village also budgets $388,000 annually to fund bonds issued in 2006 for critical sewer improvements. In addition to these annual needs, the Village is working towards its Central Area Storm Sewer Separation Project that provide significant flood relief in certain areas of the community. This project cannot be deferred. To offset the project’s financial impact to the community, Village staff are seeking outside grant funding opportunities and intend to submit an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) low-interest loan.

Additionally, the Village’s water and sewer rates will increase beginning January 1, 2026. The new rates support the continued operation and maintenance of the Village’s water and sewer systems and follow a 4% increase in the rate charged by the City of Chicago for Lake Michigan water.

Are there assistance programs for those who can’t afford to pay their bill?
The Community and Economic Development Association of Cook County’s (CEDA) Low-income Household Water Assistance Program (LIHWAP) provides financial assistance to low-income households with issues surrounding water and wastewater bills. To qualify, families must meet certain income criteria and live in Cook County. Families can call CEDA or visit a partner in-take site to check eligibility. To apply for the program or to learn more, residents can call 1 (800) 571-2332 or visit www.cedaorg.net.

When will new water and sewer rates go into effect?
The Village’s new rates are effective January 1, 2026. 

Where does the Village get its water from? 
Lake Michigan is the sole water source used to provide water for Chicago and its 123 suburban communities like La Grange Park. The City of Chicago delivers nearly 1 billion gallons of drinking water daily to Chicago area communities and water commissions. The Village receives its water from the Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission.