Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s proposed water and sewer tax would go into effect in 2017 and escalate each year until 2020.
During the four years, the tax would grow from 59 cents per 1,000 gallons of water used to $2.51 per 1,000 gallons. The average amount of water used is 15,000 gallons every two months, meaning the tax in 2020 would be $37.65 on each bimonthly bill, or $225.90 for the entire year.
The plan could face an initial vote as soon as Sept. 8.
More Top Picks Best Standing Desks For Tall People
Amount of tax applied to water and sewer bill
Based on average bimonthly usage of 15,000 gallons
| Year | Bimonthly rate | Bimonthly tax for 15,000 gallons | Yearly tax for 15,000 gallons |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2017 | $0.59 per 1,000 gallons | $8.85 | $53.10 |
| 2018 | $1.28 per 1,000 gallons | $19.20 | $115.20 |
| 2019 | $2.01 per 1,000 gallons | $30.15 | $180.90 |
| 2020 | $2.51 per 1,000 gallons | $37.65 | $225.90 |
Total average bill with tax applied
Based on average bimonthly usage of 15,000 gallons
| Year | Avg. bimontly bill plus tax | Avg. yearly bill plus tax |
|---|---|---|
| 2016 | $114.30 | $658.80 |
| 2017 | $123.15 | $738.90 |
| 2018 | $133.50 | $801.00 |
| 2019 | $144.45 | $866.70 |
| 2020 | $151.95 | $911.70 |
Note: Underlying water and sewer fees will increase by the rate of inflation, with a 5 percent cap per year.
Source: Tribune reporting
(function(document) {
var CSS = [
“//graphics.chicagotribune.com/water-sewer-tax/css/styles.css”
];
CSS.forEach(function(url) {
var link = document.createElement(‘link’);
link.setAttribute(‘rel’, ‘stylesheet’);
link.setAttribute(‘href’, url);
document.head.appendChild(link);
});
})(document);