The Cook County Water Affordability Program is excited to announce a funding opportunity for suburban Cook County communities to develop and/or implement projects to tackle growing water affordability challenges. Up to $245,000 per municipality is available, with a total program budget of $1.5 million. Projects funded by this program should support residents disproportionately impacted by unaffordable water bills. Example projects include, but are not limited to, cost of service and water rate studies, leak alert and billing system upgrades, and customer outreach and engagement efforts aimed at reducing residential water burden.
All municipalities delivering water to residential customers within suburban Cook County (excluding Chicago) are eligible to apply. Find more information and application instructions in the Notice of Funding Opportunity: Cook County Water Affordability Pilot Program for Municipal Water Utilities.
Applications are due by 5:00 PM on Tuesday, December 9, 2025, and should be submitted using the form provided in the notice. Please contact CCWaterAffordability@ElevateNP.org with any additional questions.
The Cook County Water Affordability Program provides immediate relief to suburban Cook County residents struggling with water costs while creating long-term solutions for water affordability in the region. This program is administered by Elevate Energy (Elevate) in collaboration with the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development with funding through the American Rescue Plan Act.