Do Single-Family Homes In Chicago Have Water Meters?

The City of Chicago is offering residential single-family and two-flat homeowners the option to have a water meter installed in their homes to help them save water and money. MeterSave is a program in Chicago that allows customers with assessed water accounts to have a water meter installed in their homes or two-flats. Non-metered accounts are charged a flat rate, per the Municipal Code of Chicago, based on factors such as building size, and the average cost for water bills is around $1, 166 for non-metered homes.

The city’s Department of Water Management reports that single-family homes see an average savings of 30% on their water bills with a meter, and two-flats see a 43% reduction. A key City Council panel advanced a plan to allow crews to resume installing water meters in Chicago homes, nearly three years after Mayor Lori Lightfoot halted the work amid concerns that it was causing lead. The city is seeking 150 volunteers to have ultrasonic meters installed in single-family homes, where crews will test tap water for lead levels before and after new meters are installed.

Water bills in homes without meters are tied to various factors, from building size to number of plumbing fixtures. Nearly 130, 000 Chicago homes already have water meters, and non-metered accounts are assigned to properties that do not have a water meter to measure usage. In Chicago, your home may not have a water meter, but homes with a meter are billed based on the number of gallons used per billing cycle. Water meters shall be required on all service pipes to all new buildings and on any new services to existing buildings in the City of Chicago.

How Many Chicago Homes Have Lead Service Lines?

Chicago has approximately 400, 000 homes connected to lead service lines, making it the city with the highest number in the United States. These lead pipes, mandated by Chicago building code until 1986, link individual residences, primarily single-family and two-flat homes, to the main water supply. The inventory of lead service lines has been compiled through infrastructure maintenance data and property descriptions.

Communities heavily populated by Black, brown, and Asian residents are disproportionately affected, with these groups twice as likely to live in areas with lead service lines, which constitute 95% of the problem in the state.

Despite existing programs for city-assisted replacements, only 280 homeowners have replaced their lead service lines in the past two years. Between 2016 and 2022, the ABC7 data team found that 6% of over 30, 000 tested home service lines showed lead levels at or above federal safety standards. Nationwide, over 9 million homes still receive water through lead pipes, underscoring a broader public health issue.

As pressure mounts on lawmakers and local authorities for action, Chicago’s significant lead infrastructure poses ongoing risks to its residents, particularly children, who are especially vulnerable to the harmful effects of lead exposure. The city is being urged to expedite pipe replacements to mitigate this health crisis.

Does Everyone Have A Water Meter?

If your home was built after 1990, it's likely you have a water meter. You can verify this by checking your water bill; if your customer number starts with "MC," you're metered, while "UC" indicates an unmetered account. Approximately half of all homes have water meters, which influence both water and sewerage bills based on actual consumption. Water meters, provided by your water supplier at no cost upon request, measure the total amount of water used during the billing cycle, a practice known as water metering.

Most households receive a monthly or quarterly bill reflecting their water usage measured by the meter, either located indoors or outdoors. In areas with public water supply, a water meter is typically mandatory, although residences with private wells usually lack one. Water meters not only aid in billing but also help utilities monitor usage and detect leaks. Reading the meter allows homeowners to track their consumption, enabling them to manage water usage effectively.

By 2025, all customers within certain service areas are expected to have a meter as mandated by state regulations. Some cities, like Lodi in California, are installing meters for previously unmetered properties to comply with legislative requirements. Generally, there are two meters in each setup: one for the home and another for irrigation purposes.

What Is The Average Water Bill For A Single Family Home In Chicago?

Homeowners in Chicago typically pay an average of $1, 166 annually for water bills if they reside in non-metered homes, while those in metered homes can expect bills around $670. These figures are averages and can fluctuate based on various factors. In comparison, the average monthly water bill across the U. S. is approximately $49, with most households paying between $40 and $60, though bills can range from $15 to over $100 depending on household size and water use.

A standard water usage for a household is generally under 10, 000 gallons per two-month cycle. The average American home spends approximately $2, 200 yearly on utilities, which include electric, water, and gas. An example of potential monthly utility costs might include $130 for electricity, $149 for gas, and $28 each for water and sewer. In Chicago, the overall utility cost, which includes electricity, heating, water, and garbage, averages around $169.

96. The average water bill has slightly decreased to $37 per month in 2023, reflecting a modest reduction from previous years. Overall, the cost of living in Chicago, including water and other utilities, varies considerably based on factors such as housing type, location, and usage patterns.

Where Is My Water Meter In Chicago?

Water meters in Chicago can be located curb-side or in the basement, and ensuring their proper function is crucial to avoid inflated water bills. Meter readings may be conducted by a water rate taker accessing your home, remotely, or through radio transmission to a water department vehicle. The MeterSave program allows residents with assessed water accounts in single-family homes or two-flats to install water meters at no cost, ensuring they are billed only for their actual water usage.

For seven years, annual water bills won't exceed the regular assessed rate. Residents can check their water meter reading details in their billing statement and verify them by reading the meter themselves. If relying on an unmetered billing, users often face high monthly charges compared to those with meters; for instance, unmetered charges can be $140 per month, while metered homes may only pay around $40. To enroll in the MeterSave program, residents can visit MeterSave.

org or contact the city’s non-emergency number at 3-1-1 or the water department at 312-744-4420. Following a three-year pause due to lead contamination concerns, city officials are now resuming water meter installations. Proper meter installation allows for better tracking of water usage and conservation efforts.

Does Chicago Have A Water Meter?

In Chicago, 7. 1 homes tested had lead levels above the EPA's action level of 15 parts per billion. Around 130, 000 homes currently have water meters, promoted by city officials as a method to decrease water usage and lower costs. The MeterSave program allows homeowners of single-family and two-flat residences to install water meters, where they pay solely for the water consumed, with an assurance that their total annual water bills won't exceed a certain threshold.

The installation process entails potential in-person meter reading by officials, and adjustments to accounts are not permitted. After a nearly three-year suspension due to lead contamination concerns, Mayor Lori Lightfoot has resumed water meter installations for 180, 000 households. Under the current program, qualifying applicants can receive free lead service line replacements along with meter installations. Homes with meters receive a bi-monthly water bill, while unmetered households incur estimated charges based on property size, leading to unexpectedly hefty expenses.

The city is encouraging voluntary meter installation, as Chicago is one of the few major cities not mandating them. A new state law effective January 1 requires the replacement of lead service lines when installing meters. It's important for homeowners to ascertain if they have a meter, as this affects billing frequency and overall costs.

How Many Chicago Homes Have Water Meters?

Nearly 130, 000 homes in Chicago have water meters, aimed at reducing water usage and costs. Chicago has around 400, 000 homes with lead service lines, raising concerns about water quality. When the MeterSave Program began in 2009, there were 316, 000 unmetered homes—now reduced to about 180, 000. Installing an indoor meter costs $1, 300, while outdoor installations run up to $3, 700. Recent studies indicate that nearly one in five homes with meters may have elevated lead levels, with about 28, 000 potentially affected. Testing revealed that 22% of homes with new meters experienced increased lead levels, and 7. 1% exceeded federal drinking water guidelines.

The Department of Water Management (DWM) distributes 750 million gallons of drinking water daily to Chicago and surrounding areas. City officials had prior knowledge of lead levels detected in multiple homes post-installation. There are about 165, 000 homes with meters, and the city has responded by providing free certified lead-removing filters to residents. The water department is conducting assessments for properties along water main and sewer work locations. Mayor Lori Lightfoot suspended the MeterSave program after the alarming study results. For more information about water meters in Chicago, visit metersave. org.

Can I Say No To A Water Meter?

Your rights regarding water meters depend on whether your supplier has the legal authority to install them. If a supplier recommends a meter but lacks enforcement power, you can decline. However, if your supplier—such as Affinity Water, Anglian Water, Essex and Suffolk Water, South East Water, or Southern Water—has the legal power to fit compulsory meters, refusal is not an option. A consumer watchdog highlights that customers in certain regions cannot refuse installations. This includes the instance where compulsory smart meters are fitted, as seen with Thames Water in areas designated as having "serious water stress."

If you wish to refuse a meter or understand your options, it is advisable to review your deed and easement and seek legal guidance. Additionally, if you suspect an error in your bill, check your meter reading and compare it to your billed consumption. Faulty meters can lead to high bills, and early detection of issues is critical. While opting in for a meter is generally a choice, certain conditions allow suppliers to mandate installation, especially in water-stressed areas. Ultimately, seeking clarity on smart meter policies, especially in different U. S. states, will aid in exercising your rights effectively.

Do Chicago Homeowners Pay For Water?

In Chicago, water usage is measured in gallons or cubic feet, and the charges for metered accounts are calculated based on consumption multiplied by the water rate. Residents can expect to pay $4. 33 per 1, 000 gallons, with average daily indoor water use around 100 gallons. Unmetered accounts incur a flat rate of approximately $132 monthly, with sewer fees typically equivalent to water fees. A 2022 report indicates that non-metered households pay significantly higher water bills—averaging around $1, 166—compared to about $670 for metered homes.

Residents must pay their bills in full or may qualify for payment plans. If a property has been without water service for over 30 days, a Release of Liability is necessary for reconnection. The Chicago Department of Water Management is enhancing drainage systems and encourages homeowners to prevent water waste. There are varying payments based on property type, with upgrades targeting financial support for low-income residents, including reduced rates and debt forgiveness.

The utility bills also reflect additional water-sewer tax charges, starting March 2017, intended for mandated pension payments. City Council initiatives may raise water and sewer rates further. Overall, disparities in water billing reveal substantial debt, particularly within predominantly Black communities in the city.

Do All Homes In Chicago Have Water Meters?

In Chicago, water meters are mandated for service pipes supplying city water to all buildings except single-family homes and two-flats. The MeterSave program allows eligible customers to install water meters in these residences, aiming to promote water conservation and lower bills. After a pause due to concerns regarding lead contamination in drinking water, Mayor Lori Lightfoot approved the resumption of meter installations in roughly 180, 000 households.

Currently, around 165, 000 homes in the city have meters, which charge for actual water usage, unlike non-metered accounts that incur flat rates based on building size. A recent study revealed elevated lead levels in 22% of homes with newly installed meters, highlighting ongoing safety concerns. The Chicago Department of Water has the responsibility to test homes with water meters; results showed nearly one in five sampled had unsafe lead levels. A new law, effective January 1, mandates the replacement of lead service lines during meter installations.

Presently, many homes still lack meters, but with the city offering meter installation and advocacy from organizations like Elevate, more residents are encouraged to consider this option. Meter installations are part of broader construction projects focused on main replacements and overall infrastructure improvement. Ongoing city initiatives aim to address lead levels while promoting water savings through the adoption of metered billing systems.

Why Did Lightfoot Stop Installing Water Meters In Chicago Homes?

In July 2019, Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot ordered a halt on the installation of water meters in residential homes following city tests that revealed alarming lead levels in over 20% of the metered properties. This decision came after officials identified the lead issue 13 months earlier. Despite some assertions regarding water safety, Lightfoot's pause on the meter program was influenced by recent findings highlighting spikes in harmful lead levels, prompting concern for public health, particularly given lead's potential to damage brain development in children.

Lightfoot reassured residents that, overall, Chicago's water remains safe and meets or exceeds EPA standards. During the suspension, the city encouraged households with water meters to participate in free in-home water testing and to use provided filters. After three years of investigation into the elevated lead levels, plans emerged to resume installations for around 180, 000 households. However, the past actions of former Mayor Rahm Emanuel's administration were criticized for denying the extent of Chicago's lead problem.

As of recent updates in May 2022, the City Council is considering advancing efforts to restart the water meter installation, reflecting ongoing challenges in addressing lead contamination concerns linked to plumbing infrastructure.

Do Homeowners Pay For Water In Chicago?

In Chicago, water usage is measured in gallons or cubic feet, depending on the type of water meter at a property. Metered accounts calculate charges by multiplying usage by the water rate and are billed either monthly or bi-monthly. Non-metered accounts pay a flat rate determined by factors like building size. The city offers various payment options for utility bills, with online payments through the City’s web portal being the easiest method. Low-income households can access the Utility Billing Relief Program (UBR), which can reduce water and sewer bills by up to 50%, safeguarding against service shut-offs.

Reports indicate that non-metered residents often pay significantly more for their water bills compared to metered customers. While average water bills hover around $40 monthly, non-metered homes incur higher expenses, averaging around $1, 166 annually. The Chicago Department of Water Management collaborates with the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District to enhance drainage systems. Homeowners can dispute water bills through the Department of Finance's Utility Billing and Customer Service Center.

Payments are due within 15 days, and late payments incur a 10% penalty. Notably, the city's low-income households bear the heaviest burden, spending an estimated 10% of their income on water bills, leading to efforts aimed at financial relief in service payments.