Chicago used the water supply as revenue, then punished those who can’t afford the cost
Tens of thousands of Chicago homeowners — most in majority-Black ZIP codes — are collectively $421 million in debt for a resource they can’t live without.
Drowning in debt
How Chicago’s water became unaffordable for thousands
For years, Chicago leaders turned to the city’s water supply as a way to raise revenue. Now tens of thousands of Chicago homeowners — most in majority-Black ZIP codes — are collectively $421 million in debt for a resource they can’t live without.
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How WBEZ analyzed water debt in Chicago
After homeowners said they couldn’t keep up with the rising cost of water, WBEZ submitted 31 FOIA requests to understand whether this was a city-wide trend.
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Chicago’s Water Prices Are Skyrocketing Faster Than Other Great Lakes Cities
Chicago’s rising water costs caused over 150,000 water shutoffs since 2007, mostly in low-income, black and Latino neighborhoods.
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Chicaguenses: ¿No pueden pagar el servicio de agua? Aquí está lo que necesitan saber
WBEZ ofrece una guía con recursos para ayudar a responder a preguntas que los chicaguenses pudieran tener acerca de sus cuentas del servicio de agua.
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City Officials Encourage Chicagoans Living Without Water Service To Ask For Help
Chicago has restored water service to 35 households during the pandemic, and another 25 homes are in the process of getting water restored.
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Chicago Expands Program To Help Homeowners Struggling With Unpaid Water Bills
The city’s Utility Billing Relief program is expected to help 20,000 households, but it doesn’t include renters.
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Some Chicago Renters Are Stuck Living Without Water During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Chicago renters who rely on their landlords to pay for water services have few options when the water has been shut off by the city.
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Community Groups Have Their Own Plans To Provide Water To Some Chicago Residents
Activists have urged Chicago officials to restore water service to residents without it during the pandemic, but the city has no such plans.
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Chicago To Offer Relief For Residents Struggling With Water Bills
The program, set to start in 2020, offers an estimated 20,000 low-income households reduced water bills and stops late payment penalties.
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After Price Hikes, Thousands In Chicago Are Without Water
Chicago’s rising water costs caused over 150,000 water shutoffs since 2007, mostly in low-income, black and Latino neighborhoods.
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A Water Crisis Is Growing In A Place You’d Least Expect It
The Great Lakes are one of the world’s largest sources of fresh water, but many Americans in nearby cities can’t afford their water bills.
