SPRINGFIELD – Following the water rate hikes that affected Bolingbrook and the surrounding area, State Senator Rachel Ventura introduced a measure that would allow municipalities to buy back their private water lines through a ballot referendum. The measure is being supported in the house by Representative Dagmara Avelar.

“Water is essential to all life — I believe water should never be privatized for this reason. We cannot allow profits to be put over people,” said Ventura (D-Joliet). “I will continue to work with my colleagues to protect access to clean, affordable drinking water, as well as advocate to reform water policies that have continually hurt consumers.”

SB 1513 follows recent water rate hikes in Bolingbrook and surrounding areas in July 2024, which sparked public outrage with residents citing already high water bills and rising living expenses. Under the proposed legislation, a municipality would be able to buy back their water rights from private water utility companies using eminent domain, led by a vote via referendum in any regular election.

“All communities deserve to have affordable clean water for their families and betterment of their health,” said State Representative Dagmara Avelar (D-Romeoville). “Our community has had challenging water price increases while also having a rising cost of living due to inflation, making living essentials burdensome when they shouldn't be. This legislation gives our community and other cities facing the same challenges their voice and power back by leaving the decision-making in consumers’ and residents’ hands.”

Senate Bill 1513 currently awaits committee assignment.

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