SPRINGFIELD – Following severe water rate hikes that affected Bolingbrook and the surrounding area, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a new measure that would discourage municipalities from selling off their water lines to private companies and would disincentive companies from raising prices for the rest of the ratepayers.

“Access to water is a human right, and the exorbitant price hikes put in place by private water companies put that right in danger,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “This legislation would encourage local governments to keep their water systems in their own hands and prevent private water companies from passing off the cost of out of town systems onto existing ratepayers."

Senate Bill 3889 follows recent water rate hikes in communities Ventura represents in July 2024, which sparked public outrage with residents citing already high water bills and rising living expenses.

Under the proposed legislation, small municipalities intending to sell their water infrastructure to a private company must first have their system appraised by an independent third party to determine its true value, including any depreciation from wear and tear or overdue maintenance.

By requiring municipalities to sell their systems for a lower price, the bill would discourage local governments from selling at all, and in cases where they do decide to sell, would remove an incentive for the companies to raise prices for outside ratepayers to offset the maintenance and repairs the systems would require. Both these elements are intended to, in time, lead to lower water bills for residents.

“State water policies allowing for increased privatization have repeatedly hurt consumers and put profits over people,” said Ventura. “We must continue to pursue policies that will ensure equitable access to clean, reliable and affordable water for all.”

Senate Bill 3889 currently awaits committee assignment.