Water superintendent: billing audit, meter installs and PFAS testing show no detectable contamination

Jason Figgins, Water Superintendent, told the Village Council that an internal audit of the utility billing system shows less measured water production even though revenue has remained similar. Figgins said a 2022 spike in demand was traced to an accidentally left-open valve at the wastewater treatment plant and that crews are installing meters where lines are unmetered to better account for water use.

Figgins described a recent chemical-tank leak response and raised awareness about new federal guidance on PFAS in drinking water. “It is such a small concentration that it’s almost hard to believe that technology is able to trace it,” Figgins said, adding that “health experts say that 97% of Americans have these chemicals in their bodies.” He said EPA sampling of the village’s entry-point water and groundwater source returned no detectable PFAS.

Mayor Valerie Mockus noted Hebron’s water quality compared favorably with other areas. Chief Fiscal Officer Deborah Morgan told council that a winter-average sewer-credit program implemented by a previous administrator had significant unintended revenue consequences: residents who used little water in winter but large volumes in summer were being billed at minimums, reducing wastewater fund revenue. Morgan said the discount application last year was a temporary measure while the audit proceeded and that administrators have considered but postponed rate increases pending final numbers.

Council discussed prioritizing sewer repairs, inflow and infiltration fixes, and drainage work over continuing broad discounts that reduce revenue for those repairs. The council did not take a separate formal action on water rates or credits during this meeting. The village will continue meter installation work and incorporate audit findings into budget discussions.