EVANSTON (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- After years of battling in court, Evanston and Skokie have entered into a new long-term water contract through which Evanston will continue to supply Skokie homes and businesses with Lake Michigan water.
Evanston and Skokie have been suing each other since 2017 over water rates Evanston wanted to charge Skokie, but once the agreement is approved by both the Skokie Village Board and Evanston City Council, the lawsuits will be dropped.
Through the new contract, Evanston will continue to supply water to Skokie directly from the Evanston Water Plant as has occurred since 1941 when the two communities entered their first water supply contract.
Skokie’s initial wholesale purchase rate to Evanston is set at $1.26 per 1,000 gallons, an increase from $1.09 per 1,000 gallons paid per the previous contract, according to the Village of Skokie.
“The Village of Skokie is grateful for our long-standing partnership with the City of Evanston through which we are able to purchase and deliver water to Skokie residents and businesses,” said Skokie Mayor George Van Dusen. “Evanston’s meticulous oversight of water quality and the integrity of the system provide our community with a reliable source of high-quality water. Further, the new contract provides this important service at reasonable rates and includes carefully defined terms for rate increases which will serve the Skokie community for the next generation.”
The new 20-year contract term may be extended for up to two additional 10-year terms, according to the Village of Skokie. The new contract also provides Evanston access to the Skokie Fire Department’s training tower in exchange for Evanston continuing to operate, control, and provide records for Skokie’s water pumping stations.
"I never thought I’d get to this day. It’s been a while," said Skokie trustee Ralph Klein at this week’s village board meeting just before the board approved the deal.
The Skokie Village Board approved the deal this week. The Evanston City Council votes on it next week.
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