💧 5 Things to Know About Hartsburg’s New Water Ordinance 💧

At the July 28, 2025 Village Board meeting, we approved an updated water ordinance designed to keep our water system reliable, sustainable, and ready for the future. This update wasn’t just about raising rates—it’s about making sure our town has the resources needed to maintain safe, dependable water service for every resident.

➡️ The new rates take effect August 1, 2025. August water usage will first appear on the bills sent out September 1, 2025.

Here are the top five things you should know:

1. A Clear, Fair Rate Structure

Every account will pay a $25 flat minimum each month, which includes 1,500 gallons of water. After that, additional usage will be billed at $1.50 per 100 gallons. This ensures fairness while encouraging responsible water use.

2. A Dedicated Capital Improvement Fund

For the first time, Hartsburg will have a Capital Improvement Fee that goes directly into maintaining and upgrading our water system. This fee starts at $5/month in August 2025 and gradually increases to $11/month by 2028. These dollars will only be used for repairs, replacements, and improvements like water mains, pumps, and storage—keeping our system strong for decades to come.

3. Stronger Protections for the Village

The ordinance outlines clear expectations for deposits, late fees, and reconnection procedures. It also strengthens safeguards against tampering or unauthorized use of water lines—protecting our infrastructure and ensuring costs aren’t unfairly passed on to responsible users.

4. Shared Responsibility for Property Owners

Rental property owners will now be ultimately responsible for outstanding balances tied to their properties. This creates accountability and helps the Village avoid unpaid bills that can strain resources for the rest of the community.

5. Billing & Payments Made Simple

Water bills are issued on the 1st of each month and due by the 28th. Payments can be dropped in the blue drop box outside Village Hall or mailed to:

📬 Village of Hartsburg Water Department

PO Box 79

Hartsburg, IL 62643

Late payments are subject to a $10 fee, and service disconnection may occur if bills remain unpaid.

Your September 1, 2025 bill will be the first to reflect the updated rates based on August usage.

📊 Want to see the numbers? We’ve created a side-by-side chart of the old vs. new rates compared with the actual monthly costs of running our water department.

✅ This ordinance reflects the Village’s commitment to transparency, sustainability, and future growth. While changes like this are never easy, they are necessary to keep Hartsburg moving forward—because safe, clean, and reliable water isn’t just a service, it’s a foundation for our community.