Village Proposes Water Rate Increase

Residents will see a slight increase in their water bill next year, with the village board slated to approve a 5 percent increase in the water rate and water tap on fee Thursday night as part of next year’s budget.

The additional revenue will be used to fund an ongoing project to replace water mains in the village, said Fred Mullard, Director of Public Works for the village of Lake in the Hills. 

As of Jan. 1, the average household will pay an additional $2.64 a month for water, he said. The water rate also increased by 5 percent in 2011, he said.

"The increase goes toward increases in the cost of our chemicals as well as construction of the water main replacement project," Mullard said.

The original mains are about 50 years old, he said.

"Replacing the water mains improves fire protection and water quality," he said. "It increases capacity and the hydrants were extremely sparse on the original water main."

The replacement project will be completed in four years, he said, with $950,000 set aside for the program in next year’s budget.

Water mains slated for replacement next year are on Cedar Street from Cherry Street to Burr Street; Burr Street from Plum Street to East Oak Street; Maple Street from Plum Street to Willow Street; Plum Street from Cherry Street to Burr Street; Pheasant Trail from Crystal Lake Road to Oakleaf Road; Hunters Path from Crystal Lake Road to Oakleaf Road and Deer Path from Crystal Lake Road to Oakleaf Road.