Alsip officials detail progress on IEPA loan, new water testing fee and Cook County leak‑repair program

Alsip officials told trustees March 31 that the village is moving closer to securing a $15 million Illinois EPA loan for a multi‑year water‑main replacement program and that staff are proposing new fees to recoup wholesale water used during required fire‑suppression flow testing.

Mayor John D. Ryan said the IEPA granted planning approval and that additional steps remain before a final loan commitment, while Commissioner Karpinski and village staff described efforts to identify and reduce an estimated 17% apparent water loss. "We believe our system is tight…we're showing almost a 17% loss in our water," the mayor said as staff outlined the village's current water‑main replacement and repair budgets.

Water operations staff (Andy) explained that hydrant flow and fire‑pump witnessing currently consume unmetered water and that, at wholesale, a 20‑minute flow test could cost the village roughly $248 in treated water supply; staff proposed a $250 flat fee per test (with an additional $5 per 1,000 gallons for extended tests) intended only to recoup wholesale costs. Commissioners and trustees discussed whether to use wholesale or retail pricing, how to bill tests that draw from unmetered hydrants, and who (contractors, developers, or owners) should bear the charge.

Staff also presented a Cook County ARPA‑funded leak‑repair program for eligible residential customers (apply at cookcountyleakrepair.org). The county program offers in‑home leak assessments, licensed plumber repairs using WaterSense fixtures and potential bill assistance; staff said funding is expected through 2026 and advised early enrollment.

Trustees asked staff to refine billing mechanics (metered vs. unmetered supply, exemptions for annual recertifications) and to bring a drafted ordinance back for committee review before any formal vote.