Riverwoods trustees direct staff to craft policy after resident's $3,500 bill

Trustees voted to direct staff to draft a formal policy to address large residential water bills caused by underground leaks after a Riverwoods resident, Steve Cohen, reported a quarterly bill of about $3,500, up from roughly $950 the prior year.

Cohen told the board his leak was "below ground. I had no idea that this leak existed," and said his homeowner's insurance would not cover the loss. Neighbor Catherine Romanelli testified separately that she had photographed a visibly broken sprinkler head at a different time and place but said that she had later helped ensure that repair was made.

Mayor and trustees said the…