To continue providing safe, reliable, and high-quality water and sewer services, the Village of Winthrop Harbor is implementing a necessary rate adjustment and a new capital improvement fee, both effective February 1, 2025. These adjustments, along with the strategic allocation of the majority of Federal American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds received from the federal government, will support critical infrastructure improvements, ensuring the long-term sustainability of our water and sewer systems.
The Village has continued its long-standing senior citizen discount for water usage. One of the key projects funded through this initiative is the replacement of outdated water meters and water meter technology. The Village is dedicating $795,000 in Federal ARPA funds, supplemented by a rate adjustment and a new capital improvement fee, to help offset the upfront costs of this project, which is estimated to cost $1.6 million.
A key responsibility was imposed upon the Village by the federal government due to large unaccounted for water losses. As our water supply comes from Lake Michigan, we are required to take all steps necessary to conserve this vital resource and properly account for the water we draw from the lake. Those requirements are imposed on all users of lake water, whether it's the large cities in Illinois, Wisconsin, Michigan, Ohio, etc. or smaller municipalities such as Winthrop Harbor.
Currently, property owners are responsible for both owning and maintaining their water meters, and the cost for a meter replacement is approximately $600 per property. Under this new Village-managed approach, property owners will avoid this upfront expense, as the Village will cover the initial replacement cost. Additionally, the Village will assume ownership and responsibility for maintaining the new meters after installation, ensuring long-term accuracy, reliability, and efficiency—at no additional direct cost to property owners.
This program will also include the implementation of new meter reading technology, which will improve efficiency, accuracy, and transparency in water usage monitoring. The upgraded system will allow for better leak detection, more precise billing, and enhanced service responsiveness for our residents and businesses.