Water Buyout? | Position by LWVGP

​4/14/2017: Local Study
League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria, IL
 
LWVGP studied ownership of the water distribution system beginning in early 2016 and determined its position in 2017.
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POSITION
Water is a necessary resource for human life, not a commodity. The most important attributes of a water utility are: transparency; local control of rates and quality among other issues; local governance which is co-located with the water supply and service area; public oversight; high quality service; competitive rates.
 
The LWVGP believes financial analysis of public ownership of a water utility is warranted.

LWVGP supports ownership of the water and its distribution system that:
 

• Is committed to Central Illinois’ water needs as a priority.
• Charges water rates that reflect local costs and local infrastructure maintenance.
• Is committed to transparency to insure information is easily accessible to the public about the rates, cost, supply and quality of Central Illinois’ water and distribution system, including maintenance is most important.
• Allows water quality standards to be determined locally.
• Protects the San Koty aquifer and Illinois River for the use by future generations.
• Can use water more effectively as an economic development tool under local control to meet local needs.

 
 
OBJECTIVES
 
Water Rates

1. The price of residential water must be competitive with other local communities.
2. Water rates must be set based on expenses specifically in our service area.
3. The public must be notified of rate setting. Requests for changes to the rates must be explained at local meetings and online.
4. A detailed breakdown of current and projected costs specific to our local supply and service area must accompany all rate setting and change requests.
5. Capital costs for locally sourced water treatment and distribution must be available to the public.
6. Water rates must be set locally rather than by an appointed state board in Springfield.

 
 
Water Supply & Quality

1. Information on water source (aquifer and river) reductions from water usage must be easily accessed in order to allocate resources more equitably and better plan for the future.
2. Consideration of water-intensive business and industrial customers must include whether they jeopardize water availability.
3. Local approval must be required if local water is exported out of the area to safeguard our water supply and put Central Illinois’ needs first.  
4. Easy access to local water quality test results should be available.
5. The ability to implement drinking water quality standards more stringent than state or federal standards should be possible.

 
Maintenance of Water System Infrastructure to Include:

1. Eliminating water loss in the distribution system should be a priority.
2. Adopting the latest proven water treatment technologies.

 
Public Health

1. Local drinking water standards should change as the scientific consensus on what constitutes safe drinking water changes.
2. Local water analysis results should be included in public health reports and be available online.
3. Local meetings should be held and online explanations be developed to inform the public about possible health concerns with water treatment changes and water quality results.

 
Water System Encourages Economic Viability of the Region by:

1. Using water availability to direct future growth of the city and region.
2. Using water availability to promote business development.
3. Having a well-run customer support function able to respond quickly to complaints.
4. Having a skilled, responsive management team to support the needs of local businesses via an open and transparent decision-making process.
5. Considering public ownership of a water system as a positive aspect of economic viability versus a national corporation as a negative with regards to economic development.

 
Water Conservation:

1. Is important for future generations of Central Illinois residents.
2. Should include incentives for customers to reduce their water usage by the water company.

 
Approved by Board of Directors of The League of Women Voters of Greater Peoria
March 13, 2017