Frankfort asks residents for input on water switch

FRANKFORT -- Feedback has been trickling into Frankfort on whether or not the village should tap in to Lake Michigan water, but village officials want more.

The issue will be on Monday's village board meeting agenda.

No formal action is required, but local leaders say they need to respond to an offer from Oak Lawn to tie into its system. Oak Lawn is planning massive improvements to its water system, which supplies a dozen communities, including New Lenox and Mokena, and could be extending pipes into Frankfort's area.

According to Frankfort's figures, it would cost $58 million to get lake water and water rates could increase from the current $3.10 per 1,000 gallons to between $9.04 and $9.32.

Village administrator Jerry Ducay said he has received differing opinions, but the majority seem to be against lake water.

"We made substantial improvements to our system, and they hate to see that thrown away," Ducay said. "Cost is an issue, but some don't care about cost."

Mayor Jim Holland said the "strong opinions" he's received have been "evenly split" on the issue.

"People wonder why we are bringing this up. They think our water is fine," Holland said. "Others said their water smells and has an orange color."

While the village has added an iron filtration system and taken other steps to improve the quality, Holland admits there are "still pockets of problems."

The village continues to spend $500,000 a year looping and replacing water mains to rectify those and will flush the lines when asked.

Those wishing to voice an opinion can call the village at 815-469-2177, talk to an elected official or attend Monday's meeting.