Press Release - Thursday, October 21, 2010
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Illinois EPA Provides $2 Million in Funds for Chicago MeterSave Program
SPRINGFIELD—Illinois EPA Director Doug Scott has announced the award of $2 million to the City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) to continue their pilot program, MeterSave, which allows customers in Chicago to volunteer to have a water meter installed on their properties.
Volunteers for the pilot program will receive a meter at no charge. In addition, the customer will receive a choice of water saving devices, and will be guaranteed that their water and sewer bill will go no higher than it would have without a meter. This guarantee lasts for seven years after the meter is installed. The Volunteer Meter Installation Program, also known as "MeterSave," is Phase 1 of a plan to fully meter the city and as of January 1, 2010, the MeterSave program expanded citywide.
"When people are charged based on usage, they naturally conserve water," said Director Scott. "Chicago is one of the last remaining large cities in the United States that is not fully metered."
DWM estimates that 30 million gallons of water could be saved every day if water meters were installed in all city homes and businesses. They have a goal to see water meters installed citywide.
"MeterSave removes any reason people may have to decline the offer of a meter. They will either save money or pay no more than they would have without a meter for seven years. So far, 98 percent of the people participating are on track to save money," said Chicago Water Management Commissioner Thomas H. Powers, P.E.
The DMW estimates that approximately 64 percent of the 496,866 accounts they maintain are "non-metered" accounts, and are primarily single family residences or two-flats. They are billed based on building frontage, number of stories and building type (single, two-flats, etc.). Although these properties represent less than 20 percent of the DWM's revenue, the installation of water meters-- the single most effective method a consumer can employ to conserve water-- is a priority for DWM.
Financing for this portion of the project is being provided by the Illinois EPA's Public Water Supply Loan Program. Funding will be provided as a 20-year loan, at low interest, and with 25 percent of the principal provided under the loan being "forgiven" by state and federal funding authorities.
The total annual project cost is $13,967,238, with a local contribution of $11,967,238.
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