Resident alleges $559 water bill spike; village law firm notifies state prosecutors

A Homer Glen resident told the village board at its Jan. 23 meeting that Illinois American Water sent a January bill for $559.47 that she said showed 18,500 gallons of use over one month — more than three times normal winter consumption for her household.

The resident, Brianna Glaude, said she called Illinois American Water and that a technician, identified in her remarks as Taylor Brown, verified the meter appeared to be working and recorded a four‑day period of continuous flow in the utility’s data. Glaude said the technician told her he could not explain the pattern and encouraged her to contest the bill; the resident said a billing specialist named Ashley later described a data change in historical records as a “glitch.” Glaude said she has gathered 125 signatures from other residents reporting similar unexplained spikes and asked the village to investigate.

The claim drew immediate attention from the village attorney’s office. Village counsel said the firm has shared information with the Illinois attorney general’s office and that it will contact the Will County state’s attorney’s office to determine whether those agencies will investigate billing practices by Illinois American Water. "We're not the, attorneys or the agency that's charged and that has the statutory authority to conduct investigations ... but we have connected with them, and we'll continue to do so," the village attorney told the board. Village manager Joe Baber asked residents who have documentation to provide it to the village so staff can compile complaints and follow up.

Why it matters: resident water bills can pose immediate financial hardship and may indicate meter, billing or data‑processing errors. If a pattern emerges that the village attorney finds actionable, the village could help coordinate a formal investigation with state or county authorities.

What was said: Glaude said her household’s typical winter bills are between $245 and $260 and that the January charge said the household used roughly 18,500 gallons between Dec. 5 and Jan. 5. She told the board she and neighbors found no visible leaks at their homes and that outdoor spigots had been winterized before December. She said some neighbors reported overnight multi‑day spikes of thousands of gallons and that many residents had to accept reduced settlements or pay inflated amounts to remove service holds.

Next steps: the village attorney said the firm will continue sharing relevant documentation with the Illinois attorney general’s office and with the Will County state’s attorney. Village staff asked residents to submit bills, meter reports and contact records so the village can assemble a package of complaints and evidence to deliver to investigators or to use in a coordinated advocacy effort with other local governments.

The mayor and trustees did not take formal action at the meeting; the attorney said next steps are investigatory and would depend on follow‑up from state or county offices.

Ending: Residents who believe they have been billed in error were told to bring copies of bills and any correspondence with Illinois American Water to the village manager’s office; village staff will notify complainants about follow‑up steps if the attorney general’s office or the county prosecutor requests additional records or statements.