By WMBD-TV

BLOOMINGTON – Residents in Bloomington will notice their water bills will be a bit higher as the city raises rates to rebuild its 100-year-old waterworks system.

City Hall says the increase is needed to pay for critical infrastructure improvements that are essential for ensuring the community’s health and safety. These improvements include replacing lead-pipes, upgrades to the water treatment plant and overhauling aging equipment, some of which dates back decades.

The rates will go up 33% a year for the next three years. The rates are based on meter size and how much water is used. This is the first rate increase since 2011, according to the city.

The City recognizes that these legally mandated and otherwise necessary improvements come with a financial burden, particularly for low-income residents. Accordingly, the new website, www.bloomingtonil.gov/water, offers information on financial assistance programs, installment plans, and other resources available to help those in need.

“We’re trying to provide resources to the community, you know, related to that challenge, with the low-income component, and trying to offer information related to some of the agencies that are out there to help,” said Scott Rathbun. the city’s finance director.

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