Water, Sewer Rate Increases Kick In Soon For Oak Forest Residents

OAK FOREST, IL — Oak Forest residents will soon pay more for water and sewer services, with increases set to go into effect May 1, officials said Wednesday.

The increases will cover the cost of operations, as well as an increase from its suppliers—the City of Chicago and the Village of Oak Lawn, the City said. According to revenue policies, the city’s water and sewer fund must be a self-supporting one.

The water rates will increase from $11.12 per 1,000 gallons to $11.83 per 1,000 gallons ($.71 increase) for the first 25,000 gallons used (Tier 1), and from $12.50 per 1,000 gallons to $13.30 per 1,000 gallons ($.80 increase) for usage above 25,000 gallons (Tier 2). The sewer rate will increase from $2.20 to $2.28 per 1,000 gallons ($.08 increase).

The quarterly water base fee per individual meter will remain at $30, and the fee for multi-family unit buildings serviced by one water meter will remain at $10.

The city estimates the increase to the consumer will range between 4 percent to 5.5 percent depending on the amount of water used.