Chicago Water Affordability and Equity

In 2018, the average water bill was $40/month. The water bill has increased by 79% since 2008. The reason for this increase could be because the infrastructure for delivering water was built a long time ago and the cities are struggling to manage the water systems. While the water bill has increased by 79% over the ten years between 2008 and 2018, income has only increased by 27%. In order for a low-income household (a household in the lowest-earning quintile) to pay off their water bill, it takes up 11 work hours.

Chicago water bills

I live in the city of Chicago. With a meter the average cost is $39.05 and without a meter is $79.94; on average $1.28 per 1,000 gallons. Since 2008 it has increased by $576. There has been several pikes in water, due to a substantial amount of lost water that Chicago has endured. Due to leaky pipes. Also that we tend to waste the amount of water we use. We take for granted what we have, such as taking to long of a shower. Factor the water used in parks and rec, and in a daily household. All the money…

Evanston

I chose Evanston. The average water bill is $39 which is cheaper than the transportation and housing costs. The average transportation cost is $898 and housing cost is $2,290. The average water bill has increased by 4%. I think this has increased because of the growing population of Evanston leading to an increase in water use and limiting the water supply. The water bill did not outpace the growth in income. A low-income household needs to work 11.6 hours to pay their water bill.

Consultation has concluded