Water Rate Hike Sparks Outrage in Burnham (Burnham, IL) — Residents of Burnham, Illinois, are reeling from a dramatic surge in water rates, doubling costs overnight and leaving many struggling to keep up with their bills. The increase, implemented in May 2024, has ignited frustration and confusion, particularly as the justification for the hike remains in question.
The village raised the water rate from $4.25 to $8.50 per 1,000 gallons, resulting in some households seeing their monthly bills jump from $48 to as much as $136. Officials cited the need to repay a proposed $1.4 million loan from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) for water meter upgrades. However, at the time of the increase, the loan had not yet been approved, raising concerns about the timing and necessity of the drastic hike. A consultant’s report suggested that a much smaller increase would have been sufficient, further fueling residents’ discontent.
“People are barely making ends meet, and now they have to deal with this,” said one Burnham resident who saw her bill nearly triple. “It doesn’t seem fair, and we weren’t given any real warning.”
Burnham is not alone in facing rising water costs. Across Illinois, water bills have been climbing, with the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) approving a $110 million rate increase for Illinois American Water, the state’s largest investor-owned utility. Though lower than the company’s initial request, the increase is meant to fund infrastructure improvements. Consumer advocacy groups like the Citizens Utility Board (CUB) argue that the increase is excessive and places undue strain on residents.
“The ICC needs to do more to protect consumers,” said a CUB spokesperson. “Water is a basic necessity, and rate hikes like these disproportionately hurt low-income households.”
Burnham residents, whose median income hovers around $44,000, are particularly vulnerable to sudden financial shocks. Many have expressed concerns about transparency and accountability in the decision-making process. The backlash has prompted local officials to consider possible relief measures, but no immediate solutions have been announced.
In response to broader concerns over affordability, the ICC has ordered utilities to expand low-income assistance programs. Starting in July 2025, eligible households earning up to 300% of the federal poverty level will receive bill credits ranging from 10% to 80%. While this measure is aimed at easing the burden, it offers little immediate relief to Burnham residents already struggling under the new rates.
As frustrations mount, Burnham’s water rate hike has become a focal point in the ongoing debate over the cost of essential utilities. Residents continue to push for answers, hoping that greater transparency and fairer policies will prevent future financial strain. Until then, many are left wondering how they will manage to afford the rising cost of water.
Water Rate Hike Sparks Outrage in Burnham
