The City of Darien currently operates a water system that serves both incorporated and unincorporated homes.  This system is self sustaining and independent, which means all monies collected from your water bills are applied directly to the costs to provide you with water and pay for the Lake Michigan water we receive from the City of Chicago, through the DuPage Water Commission.

Since 2012, the DuPage Water Commission has increased the price the City of Darien pays for water by 45%.  On January 1, 2015 the price will again be increased by an additional 18%, for a total increase of over 71% over three years.  As the City of Darien pays more for water, and the system pays for its own expenses, there is no choice other than to increase the cost to the end user.  This increase is not localized to Darien residents; each municipality that relies on this water system has needed to modify their water rate in response to the DuPage Water Commission and City of Chicago increases.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What is the new water rate?

A: Darien residents pay $7.75 for each 1,000 gallons of water used; unincorporated homes pay $9.30.

Q: My water rate seems to fluctuate each month depending on usage.  Why is that?

A: There is a fixed charge of $10 for Darien residents and $12 for unincorporated homes.  This money accounts for fixed costs to operate the water system, such as operating water towers, installing meters, testing fire hydrants to make sure they work in case of fire, and fixing water main.

Q: Why doesn't the City of Darien just open up underground wells?

A: There are two main reasons: water quality and supply concerns.  The City of Darien originally moved to Lake Michigan water decades ago because the well water contains radium, in addition to other contaminants.  It would cost millions of dollars to treat and filter the water, which would also need to be passed on through the water bills.  The water would still be of low quality and residents would need to purchase water softening systems, and could have an undesirable color or taste.  Additionally, with the expansion of the community, it could be difficult to supply the entire community with enough water. 

Q: My water usage has gone up dramatically and I can't figure out why.  What should I do?

A: Drastic increases in water usage may be due to a leak within your home.  We can help!  Call our water department at (630) 353-8115 and we will have an employee come to your house to help try to check for noticeable leaks, which can often be found in toilets.

Q: Why did the City of Chicago increase their rates to the DuPage Water Commission so dramatically?

A: A report on the increases and the cost of operating the water system can be found here:  

Q:  Who can I call for additional questions?

A:  If you have any questions, please call Assistant City Administrator Scott Coren at (630) 353-8104.

The City Council has approved a resolution to continue to waive certain residential building permit fees for the following budget year.  The goal is to encourage home improvements and provide a financial incentive to those residents that are planning home projects. A similar program was successfully initiated in 2001, 2011 and 2013. The proposal waives the building permit fee for residents and business/property owners. Permits must still be obtained, and fees paid to outside vendors necessary to ensure the safety of the project are still applicable. Below is an example of permits that will have permit fees waived now thru April, 2015.  For more information please call the Building Department at 630-353-8115.

Air Conditioner Replacement            

Deck

Demolition

Driveways/Sidewalks

Fence

Landscape

Lawn Sprinkler

Patio

Roof

Shed

DuPage County will host a latex paint recycling program from June 9 to July 3 at  Woodridge Greene Valley Wastewater Treatment Facility, 7900 S. Route 53 in Woodridge.

LATEX PAINT RECYCLING: Residents can drop off their usable unwanted latex paint during the designated summer collections listed above free of charge. Usable paint is paint that has not been frozen, is less than 10 years in age and has not been mixed with other products.

FREE RECYCLED LATEX PAINT: (available starting June 16th) The paint will be filtered and re-blended into a variety of colors, types, and finishes. Recycled paint will be distributed to residents for free during same hours at location. Paint is offered free of charge to any resident, business, non-profit etc. in 5-gallon containers.

HOURS:

Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Saturday, June 14th & June 28th 8 a.m. - 2 p.m.

For more information, contact DuPage County Public Works Dept. at (630) 985-7400