woman in long sleeve shirt standing beside boy in baseball tee washing hands
(Public Health Image Library/Centers for Disease Control and Prevention)

In a recent article, The Charles Stewart Mott Foundation highlighted the tie between the need for frequent hand washing during this worldwide pandemic and the existing problem of rising water rates in the Chicago area, referencing a study published by Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant, Chicago Metropolitan Planning Council and Elevate Energy. Read the full story: Amid COVID-19 pandemic, the need for frequent hand-washing collides with soaring water rates. Excerpt below. 

At a time when hand-washing is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19, a new study shows water affordability is a bigger problem than previously recognized in a region that borders Lake Michigan — the fifth largest lake on Earth.

Soaring water rates and stagnant income growth over the past decade have made tap water unaffordable for thousands of households in the Chicago metro area, according to a study by the Metropolitan Planning CouncilElevate Energy and Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant. The study focused on a seven-county region in northeastern Illinois, but researchers said the findings mirror national trends.

A near doubling of water rates in greater Chicago over the past decade has forced some residents to choose between paying the water bill or buying food. Some households in the most economically distressed areas must work 100 hours each month just to pay the water bill, according to the study.

“As water rates increase and incomes remain stagnant, many households are struggling to pay their water bill,” said Caroline Pakenham, water program manager at Elevate Energy. “This study is an important first step to highlight growing issues of water affordability in our region and encourage dialogue around potential solutions.”

Related: Water affordability report helps inform new Chicago water billing policy


Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant is a part of University of Illinois Extension and Purdue Extension.

 

Contact: Margaret Schneemann 

IISG Instagram

Whether you’re teaching in a classroom, leading outdoor programs, or developing community science initiatives, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant offers free, high-quality educational resources to support your work.🔗 Dive into lesson plans, activities, and professional development opportunities: https://iiseagrant.org/education/ Empowering educators to connect learners with the Great Lakes and beyond. 🌎💧#TeachingTuesday
Now that the heat of summer has passed, are you thinking about stocking your pond for fishing? 🎣 Find the gamefish you need with the Great Lakes Fresh Fish Finder and make your next catch a great one!Visit https://freshfishfinder.org/.
Great Lakes seafood is local, nutritious, and sustainably sourced.Curious where to find it? Dedicated farmers and producers across the region are bringing fresh fish straight to their communities. By buying local, you’re supporting Great Lakes fishers and farmers. Discover what’s available near you at the Sea Grant Great Lakes Fresh Fish Finder. Visit FreshFishFinder.org to explore fresh options in your area!
Stocking your garden pond or fish tank?The Sea Grant Great Lakes Fresh Fish Finder website can help! Hardworking producers in your community have healthy, sustainable, clean, colorful fish ready for you.Visit FreshFishFinder.org to find fresh fish raised in the Great Lakes region.Stocking your garden pond or fish tank?The Sea Grant Great Lakes Fresh Fish Finder website can help! Hardworking producers in your community have healthy, sustainable, clean, colorful fish ready for you.Visit FreshFishFinder.org to find fresh fish raised in the Great Lakes region.Clink the link in bio to learn more!
Skip to content