ICC Approves Rare Second Public Hearing in Bolingbrook on Proposed Illinois American Water Rate Increase

BOLINGBROOK, IL — August 14, 2026- After listening to the concerns of Bolingbrook residents at the Illinois Commerce Commission’s (ICC) July 14 public hearing, Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta asked the ICC to give the community another opportunity to be heard—this time requesting the commerce commissioners to be present to listen directly to the people and businesses who will be affected by the proposed Illinois American Water rate increase.

The ICC has now approved a second public hearing in Bolingbrook on Wednesday, September 16, creating what Mayor Alexander-Basta believes is a rare and important opportunity for residents and businesses to make their voices heard.

More than 800 people attended the July 14 hearing and close to 200 were turned away due to capacity, while approximately 45 members of the public spoke about the proposed increase and its potential impact on their families, businesses, and community.

“This is about so much more than a water bill. It is about people—our families, our seniors, our businesses and the health and well-being of our community,” Mayor Alexander-Basta said.

About 800 members of the public packed a public hearing hosted by Bolingbrook Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta for the Illinois American Water rate hike and the ICC board. Photo courtesy of Ray Hanania

“At our first hearing, residents shared heartbreaking stories about having to cut back on basic water use because they simply cannot afford the cost. No one should have to choose between paying their water bill or for much needed medications.”

Mayor Alexander-Basta sent a letter to the ICC the day after the July hearing requesting another opportunity for the public to speak directly to the Commission. In a response dated August 4, the ICC indicated that “one or more members of the Commission might attend” the September 16 hearing. “The ICC agreed to give our residents another opportunity to be heard,” Mayor Alexander-Basta said. “and I sincerely hope the members of the Commission will join us in Bolingbrook and listen to the people who are living with these costs every day. Our residents deserve to know that their voices matter and that their concerns are being heard.”

The Mayor is encouraging media, residents, business owners and community members throughout the Illinois American Water service area to save the date and attend the September 16 hearing.

“Enough is Enough. We have an obligation to speak up when something negatively impacts the people we serve, and I will continue to stand with our residents in asking the ICC to carefully consider the real-life impact of this proposed rate increase,” Mayor Alexander-Basta said.

Additional information regarding the September 16 hearing, the proposed Illinois American Water rate increase, and opportunities for members of the public to provide testimony or submit written comments are available at Bolingbrook.gov.

About the Village of Bolingbrook:

Incorporated on October 6, 1965, Bolingbrook has grown from a planned subdivision into a thriving community spanning Will and DuPage Counties. Located along Historic Route 66, the Village continues to be shaped by strong leadership and a commitment to residents.

Mayor Mary Alexander-Basta, sworn into office in 2020, elected in 2021, and re-elected in 2025, is the first Egyptian woman elected Mayor in the United States. Bolingbrook was most recently recognized as being one of the Best Places to Live in Illinois by U.S. News & World Report and one of the Most Diverse Suburbs in Illinois by Niche.

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Ray Hanania is an award-winning opinion columnist, author & former Chicago City Hall reporter (1977-1992). A veteran who served during the Vietnam War and the recipient of four SPJ Peter Lisagor Awards for column writing, Hanania writes weekly opinion columns on mainstream American & Chicagoland topics for the Southwest News-Herald, Des Plaines Valley News, the Regional News, The Reporter Newspapers, and Suburban Chicagoland.

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Hanania was named "Best Ethnic American Columnist" by the New America Media in November 2007, and is the 2009 recipient of the SPJ National Sigma Delta Chi Award for column writing.

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