Illinois American Water Company is seeking its first rate hike since 2017. The company filed a request Thursday with the Illinois Commerce Commission to adjust its water and wastewater base rates following what it calls an extensive examination of investments to provide safe and reliable water and wastewater service. Water company spokesperson Karen Cotton says the filing is just a first step in the process.

If the request is approved, the typical residential customer using 3,500 gallons per month with a 5/8-inch meter would increase between $6 and $14 per month, depending on the service area. The typical residential wastewater bill would increase between $7 and $17 per month, depending on the service area. The request also includes a low-income discount tariff, which could mean a decrease of about $8 to $15 a month, depending on the service area.