EAST PEORIA, Ill. (25 News) – A proposal from the Biden administration could have an impact on water rates for central Illinois communities.
The proposal would require municipalities to replace all lead water service lines that carry drinking water within the next ten years.
East Peoria Water and Wastewater Superintendent Cord Crisler tells 25 News it could cost the city around $2.5 million, without assistance from the EPA. He says that’s because they would have to replace every line in the city.
“The city is only responsible for the water main and the service line up to the curb stop and/or property line. So, the remaining line is technically the homeowner’s service line,” Crisler said.
Crisler says the proposal would basically pay for “someone else’s home repair.” He says the increased workload might mean the project would not fit the proposal’s ten year timeline, and could cause water rates to go up in East Peoria.
Illinois American Water in a statement says their water quality experts are looking into the proposal and will comment after their review is done.
The EPA is requiring replacement plans to be submitted by early next year.
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