Chicago’s new water tax is 
officially in effect. Starting with the March 2017 bill, all residents and businesses in Chicago will see a new water-sewer tax charge on their monthly utility bill.
Chicago’s water-sewer taxes approved
for the next 4 years:
- 2017: $0.59/1000 gallons
- 2018: $1.28/1000 gallons
- 2019: $2.01/1000 gallons
- 2020: $2.51/1000 gallons
This tax is in addition to the water/sewer fees that Chicagoans
already pay and is expected to help pay for part of Chicago’s
pension debt.
EPA’s WaterSense website lists some easy ways to reduce water usage:
- Replace older toilets with a WaterSense labeled toilet:
WaterSense toilets use only 1.28 gallons per flush or
less. Standard toilets use 1.6 gallons per flush. Older
toilets can use as much as 3.5 to 7 gallons per flush.
- Replace showerheads with WaterSense labeled models:
WaterSense showerheads use 2.0 gallons of water per
minute or less. Standard faucets use 2.5 gallons of
water or more.
- Turn off the tap while brushing your teeth or shaving:
A bathroom faucet generally runs at 2 gallons per
minute. Turning off the tap while brushing your teeth or
shaving can save a person more than 200 gallons per
month.
- Replace older washing machines with a high-efficiency model:
High-efficiency washing machines use less than 27
gallons per load. Standard models can use up to 54
gallons per load.
Gabriel can also help commercial and industrial facilities assess their water usage to determine if any water savings may be achieved. Contact our Water Department at 773-486-2123 or water[at]gabenv.com to discuss Gabriel’s water saving audits.
More information about the water tax can be found on the City of Chicago’s Finance webpage.
