SPRINGFIELD- State Senator Michael E. Hastings announced his proposal for the creation of the Chicago Water Contracts Transparency Study, a critical initiative aimed at improving water sustainability and equity for the South Suburbs.

With many suburban municipalities over-relying on the City of Chicago for water access, Hastings is calling for a comprehensive study to assess current water distribution agreements, the impact of rising water rates, and explore alternative options for local control of water resources.

“Water sustainability may seem like a distant issue, but it’s only one or two generations away,” said Hastings (D-Frankfort). “In 50 years, my children will be addressing the public policy regarding water in our communities. We must act now to ensure that our water supply remains reliable, affordable, and fairly distributed for generations to come.”

The Chicago Water Contracts Transparency Study would direct the Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability to review and analyze the City of Chicago’s water contracts with distributing municipalities in the South Suburbs. The study would focus on the following key areas:

• Assessing existing water contracts between Chicago and suburban municipalities, including costs and fee increases over the past decade.
• Reviewing the impact of these agreements on local municipal budgets and residents.
• Analyzing future infrastructure costs and examining the feasibility of creating a new, more equitable water distribution system, such as a Southwest Water Authority.
• Exploring alternative water sources and decentralizing control to introduce competition, improve reliability, and reduce long-term costs.

Hastings stressed the importance of giving suburban municipalities a stronger voice in water management, ensuring they are not subject to Chicago’s monopolistic control over the region’s water supply. He emphasized the need for a fairer, more transparent approach to water distribution that reflects the needs of all residents, not just those in the City of Chicago.

“As we’ve done with energy reform, it’s time for the South Suburbs to take control of our water future,” Hastings said. “We can no longer allow ourselves to be dependent on a single, quasi-monopolistic system. This study will provide the data and recommendations needed to ensure a sustainable, affordable, and reliable water supply for our communities.”

Senate Bill 1444, if adopted, would conduct the study within 12 months, with public hearings and stakeholder input incorporated into the process. Hastings is committed to advancing this study in the Illinois General Assembly to ensure that water access remains secure for all residents of the South Suburbs.