To continue providing safe, reliable water and sewer service, the Village of Carol Stream will implement a 5% rate adjustment, effective May 1, 2025. This adjustment will increase the total combined by $0.70. The new rates are as follows:
💧 Water: $9.54 per 1,000 gallons
💧 Sewer: $5.15 per 1,000 gallons
💧 Estimated Monthly Increase: $3.50 for a household using 5,000 gallons of water
The new rates will appear on water bills dated June 30.
Why the Change?
The water and sewer rate adjustment is necessary to help cover increasing operational costs, including a 3.9% increase in the cost of water purchased from the DuPage Water Commission. It also supports the Village’s efforts to maintain and upgrade essential infrastructure, ensuring the continued delivery of clean, safe water to residents.
Planned improvements include:
- Water Meter Replacements: Over the next 4-5 years, we will replace more than 11,000 aging water meters (20-35 years old). This upgrade will improve leak detection and provide more accurate water readings, ensuring fairer and more accurate billing.
- Water Reclamation Center Upgrades: Beginning in 2026, we will replace outdated equipment at the Water Reclamation Center (where incoming wastewater is cleaned) to improve wastewater treatment efficiency and meet growing demand.
- Water Main Replacements: Replacing and upgrading water mains will help maintain a reliable water supply, reduce costly water main breaks, and minimize service disruptions.
What Does This Mean for Residents?
- A Small, Predictable Increase: For a household using 5,000 gallons of water per month, the rate adjustment will result in an increase of $3.50 on the monthly water bill.
- Avoiding Large, Sudden Rate Hikes: The planned approach ensures gradual adjustments over time, avoiding the need for large one-time increases.
- Competitive Rates: Even with this increase, Carol Stream’s water rates remain among the lowest in DuPage County, offering excellent value for high-quality service.
- Supporting Long-Term Infrastructure: This adjustment ensures that the Village can continue to update and maintain its water infrastructure while minimizing costs for residents.
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Need Help Paying Your Water Bill?
If you're facing financial difficulties, assistance may be available. DuPage County's 211 helpline provides free, confidential support and resources for utility bills and other essential services. Call 211 or visit 211dupage.gov to learn more.
How Does Carol Stream Compare?
Even with this rate adjustment, Carol Stream’s water rates will remain among the lowest in DuPage County.
For a rate comparison, visit our Water Billing Page:
https://www.carolstream.org/departments/finance/water-and-sewer-billing/general-billing-information
How Can Residents Stay Informed?
- The Village will keep residents updated on the water rate adjustment and ongoing projects through:
- Regular updates on this webpage
- Communications via water bills
- Social media posts
- The monthly email newsletter
- Village Board meetings
- Water Reclamation Center Open House: Join us on October 4th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. for an open house to learn more about upcoming upgrades.
Questions? We're Here to Help!
For questions or more information:
- Water Rate Increase or Billing Questions: Contact the Finance Department at 630-871-6222
- Planned Infrastructure Projects (water meters, water mains, etc.): Contact Public Works at 630-871-6260
- To inquire about financial assistance for your water bill: contact DuPage County's 211 helpline for free, confidential support and resources for utility bills and other essential services. Call 211 or visit211dupage.gov.
