Sterling residents should object to water rate hike

Illinois American Water Company intends to raise Sterling water rates another 27.4 percent – in addition to the 46.94 percent raise the company received in 2004. Iowa American Water is asking for a rate increase for the Quad Cities – both companies are the same, operating under slightly different names.

Sterling should vociferously object to the water company’s request. Such increases will increase prices for rentals, goods and services for Sterling residents.

After the New York City 9/11 attack in 2001, Illinois American Water purchased and manned a security shack on West LeFevre Road. I estimate purchasing and manning the guard shack cost Illinois American Water more than $40,000. About in 2003, the company closed the shack. I’ve never seen a rate reduction reflected in the savings.

There was a hearing in Bettendorf, Iowa, with Iowa American Water Company on June 11. Many citizens passionately objected their strong aversion to increased water rates. The representative from Iowa American Water said, “It’s obvious from the sparse turnout of objectors that most people in the area are satisfied with the quality water services they’re receiving.”

I’d like to see hundreds of Sterling citizens protest Illinois American’s plan to increase water rates. I’d like to see a loud protest meeting at Grandon Civic Center because the Sterling council chambers are too small. Citizens could write the Illinois Commerce Commission, 527 E. Capitol Ave., Springfield, IL 62701; attention Chief Clerk Elizabeth A. Rolando.

Sterling city government should study a profit/loss report about Illinois American Water which is called “Form 21 Annual Report.” The city ought to find out if Illinois American Water needs a rate increase.

In addition to becoming more frugal with water use, residents could purchase water barrels designed to collect rain water. Barrels are available through hardware stores. Homes of years ago diverted all water into a cistern buried in the ground where it was available for many purposes. Residents who have basement sump pumps that constantly pump water could hire a plumber to drill through the box sill and run a pipe from the sump into an outside tank. The water from basement humidifiers can also be used.