South Beloit, Ill. – A local family is raising concerns that a recent change to their water meter has caused a dramatic rise in their water and sewer bills. Darth Otten says the family’s monthly charges, which had historically ranged between $75 and $150, surged to more than $1,000 after Illinois American Water replaced their traditional meter with a digital unit in February 2025.
Meter replacement and bill spikes
According to Otten, the first noticeable increase occurred the month following the meter swap. “All of a sudden our numbers started getting really wonky from that point out,” he said. The family initially suspected their newly filled pool was to blame, but further investigation revealed the spike was unrelated to any change in water usage.
“It spiked out of nowhere, and we were like, why did it go up so much,” Otten recalled. “We filled the pool, so we kind of just let it go. The problem is when our bill spikes, the water company sends the numbers to the sewage company, so we get double‑dipped.” He described a month in which the combined water and sewer charges rose from roughly $100 to $300, then to $600, and ultimately to about $1,000.
Attempts to resolve the issue
The Ottens called Illinois American Water and were advised to check for possible toilet leaks. They hired a plumber to inspect the home, and a company representative returned to verify the meter’s operation. While the bills fell for about a year after those checks, they have recently climbed again to levels the family believes are impossible based on actual usage.
When the Ottens mentioned speaking with the newspaper, a company spokesperson reportedly responded, “If you’re going to talk to the newspaper, then we can’t help you with anything.” The family says they have heard similar complaints from other South Beloit residents, prompting them to consider legal counsel.
City response
Mayor Tom Fitzgerald acknowledged the issue but noted the city’s limited authority. “South Beloit sold its water to Illinois American Water; now they control everything. We don’t control anything, nothing to do with the water,” he said. Fitzgerald added that the city is working with the utility to apply pressure and seek a resolution, though the utility remains a separate corporate entity.
“We’re dealing with another company, and you have to deal with them individually because what we can do is probably put some pressure on them, which we have with the meeting,” Fitzgerald explained.
Next steps for the Ottens
The family is currently consulting a lawyer to explore a potential lawsuit against Illinois American Water. Rockford News First has reached out to the utility for comment but has not yet received a response.
Residents who suspect similar billing irregularities are encouraged to review their statements, request meter verification, and contact city officials or consumer‑protection agencies for assistance.
What this means for South Beloit homeowners
While the city’s hands may be tied regarding direct control of the water system, the situation underscores the importance of transparency and accountability from private utilities that serve public needs. Community members are urged to stay informed about meter upgrades and to voice concerns through city council meetings or local media.
Original reporting: WIFR Rockford News First (local) — read the source article.
