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ALTON, IL (KTVI-FOX2now.com) -
Illinois American Water customers could soon be paying more to turn on the tap. The water company is proposing a $60 million dollar rate hike. Lisa Stout's Alton car wash business depends on two things: good weather and water.
Lisa Stout said, "We run about 55 gallons per car."
The small business owner's water bill last month was more than $1,300. Her car wash used 215,000 gallons of water.
"We have to have water to wash cars and do it right," said Stout.
Stout says the costs to run the car wash keep rising and now she could be faced with higher water bills if Illinois American Water has it's way.
"As long as it is to cover their costs and not line their pockets and make the consumers suffer especially in a down economy," said Stout.
Illinois American Water has proposed a $60 million dollar rate hike. The Citizens Utility Board says the average consumer would see a 30-percent increase. For Stout that would mean about $5,000 more a year out of pocket.
"I don't know how they are justifying that amount," said Stout.
Gloria Jackson is also concerned about her bill.
"It's like no not again," said Jackson.
Jackson and other Metro East residents are voicing their concerns to the Illinois Commerce Commission at a public meeting in Alton Monday night.
Randy Nehrt from the Illinois Commerce Commission said, "The commission could say no to the rate increase or yes to a small percentage or anything in between."
Illinois American Water says the rate request would go into statewide investments in pumps, pipes, treatment facilities, and other infrastructure.
Many residents think the timing is wrong and the water company should wait until the economy starts flowing again.
"People are struggling to pay bills and stay on top of them," said Jackson.
The meeting Monday night was part of an eleven month process to help state regulators decide on what if any rate increase can be passed onto consumers.
A final decision is expected next spring.
Lisa Stout said, "We run about 55 gallons per car."
The small business owner's water bill last month was more than $1,300. Her car wash used 215,000 gallons of water.
"We have to have water to wash cars and do it right," said Stout.
Stout says the costs to run the car wash keep rising and now she could be faced with higher water bills if Illinois American Water has it's way.
"As long as it is to cover their costs and not line their pockets and make the consumers suffer especially in a down economy," said Stout.
Illinois American Water has proposed a $60 million dollar rate hike. The Citizens Utility Board says the average consumer would see a 30-percent increase. For Stout that would mean about $5,000 more a year out of pocket.
"I don't know how they are justifying that amount," said Stout.
Gloria Jackson is also concerned about her bill.
"It's like no not again," said Jackson.
Jackson and other Metro East residents are voicing their concerns to the Illinois Commerce Commission at a public meeting in Alton Monday night.
Randy Nehrt from the Illinois Commerce Commission said, "The commission could say no to the rate increase or yes to a small percentage or anything in between."
Illinois American Water says the rate request would go into statewide investments in pumps, pipes, treatment facilities, and other infrastructure.
Many residents think the timing is wrong and the water company should wait until the economy starts flowing again.
"People are struggling to pay bills and stay on top of them," said Jackson.
The meeting Monday night was part of an eleven month process to help state regulators decide on what if any rate increase can be passed onto consumers.
A final decision is expected next spring.
