Joliet's Water Supply Vote: Will It Be Chicago Or Hammond?

JOLIET, IL — The Joliet City Council will hold a special meeting at 5:30 p.m. Thursday on the second floor of City Hall to make a decision on where Joliet residents will get their drinking water supply for many decades into the future. The cities of Chicago and Hammond, Ind. are the two choices up for vote.

In mid-December, Joliet Patch covered the Joliet City Council meeting where Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot gave a presentation urging Joliet to partner with Chicago for access to Lake Michigan water.

"Let me be clear," Lightfoot told Joliet Council members last month, "We want your business. I hope you will give us due consideration."

Lightfoot told the Joliet Council that Chicago has won numerous awards for the quality of its water supply and there are more than 2,000 staff members.

Afterward, Hammond Mayor Thomas McDermott stepped to the podium and he began addressing the Joliet Council, acknowledging that following the Chicago mayor provided for tough shoes to follow.

The city of Joliet released a spreadsheet Wednesday morning and the document included the following comparisons for Chicago and Hammond:

If Joliet chooses Chicago:

For 30 MGD system: anticipated rate increases will be 10.5% per year from 2020 to 2022, 11.5% per year from 2023 to 2029, 9% per year from 2030 to 2031, 8.5% for 2032, 6% per year from 2033 to 2036, 2% for 2037 and 1% per year for 2038 to 2040.

If Joliet chooses Hammond for 30 MGD system: 10.5% per year from 2020 to 2022, 12% per year from 2023 to 2032, 8% per year from 2033 to 2034, 4% in 2035 and 1% per year from 2036 to 2040.

Estimated water bill if Joliet chooses Chicago: For 30 MGD system: 2030 - $87.94/month, 2040 - $138.02/month based on estimated average monthly water usage of 700 cubic feet (based on 2% rate escalation)

If Joliet chooses Hammond: For 30 MGD system: 2030 - $93.15/month, 2040 - $149/month based on estimated average monthly water usage of 700 cubic feet.

On the issue of water supply control: If Joliet chooses Chicago there is no control over water treatment and rate setting for purchased water rates – only participation on Chicago’s new Advisory Council. If Joliet goes with Hammond, Joliet retains full control over design, construction and operation of entire Lake Michigan Water system and setting of water rates.

Proposed Chicago agreement: Water purchase for treated Lake Michigan water would last 100 years plus additional 10 year automatic renewals, after 50 years – Joliet able to terminate with 5-year advance notice and reopen any terms for any reason.

The proposed Hammond agreement involves an access agreement for use of easements on Hammond property and right-of-way for transmission main as well as coordination for land acquisition for shore facilities. Joliet's deal with Hammond would last 99 years plus two 25 year renewals possible with reopeners, city documents reflect.

Staffing levels: If Chicago is chosen, Joliet is responsible for water pumping, transmission and distribution. Staffing to remain unchanged from current levels. If Joliet goes with Hammond, Joliet becomes responsible for all aspects of water source, supply and treatment and 14 additional staff members are recommended.