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Auditors warn of steep water losses; council presses staff as meter replacements begin
Summary
Auditors and staff told Lincoln Park council that the water and sewer fund faces major strain after water-loss rose to about 44% in 2025; the city plans phased meter replacements beginning Feb. 1 and council pressed staff for accelerated testing, valve maintenance and clearer quantification of losses.
Lincoln Park officials heard a stark assessment of the city’s water system on Jan. 12, when audit presenters and city staff described water loss that the audit team put at about 44% in 2025 and outlined steps the city will take to address it. The council pressed staff to provide clearer, quantified measurements of water lost and to accelerate fixes beyond the current water-loss crew.
The audit team reported that “44% of the water that gets purchased isn't getting billed to the residents,” and said the city has invested about $35 million in infrastructure over the past three years. Auditors and staff warned that without general-fund subsidies the water and sewer fund’s unrestricted cash would have been…
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