Pleasant Prairie property owners will not see an increase in water, sewer, or clean water utility rates in 2026. On November 10, the Village Board approved budgets for all three utilities. Each maintains current service levels and keeps rates steady throughout the upcoming year.
The Clean Water Utility manages stormwater that flows over streets, driveways, yards, and into storm drains to help protect local waterways and groundwater from pollution. The 2026 budget maintains the $6 per month Equivalent Runoff Unit (ERU) charge. The ERU measures the estimated stormwater runoff generated by a typical property. Each property is charged based on its amount of hard surface area, such as roofs, driveways, or patios, which prevents rainwater from soaking into the ground. This method ensures stormwater fees are applied fairly across all property types.
Clean Water Utility fees fund maintenance of Village-owned drainage systems, catch basins, and natural buffers such as streams and vegetation. Planned work in 2026 includes street sweeping, outfall inspections, and catch basin cleaning. Funding also continues for the leaf collection services transferred from the Solid Waste fund to the Clean Water Utility in 2025. The Clean Water Utility expects about $2.29 million in revenue and $2.91 million in expenses, with sufficient reserves to cover the additional costs.
The Water Utility delivers treated drinking water to homes and businesses. Rates are based on meter size and water use. The 2026 budget continues upgrades to water meters and communication devices to further enhance the Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) system that enables remote readings and eliminates in-person meter collection. The utility remains debt-free and expects revenue of about $9.41 million and expenses of about $7.77 million in 2026.
The Sanitary Sewer Utility carries wastewater away from properties to treatment facilities. The system includes 17 lift stations and more than 110 miles of underground mains. Utility crews follow a rotating maintenance schedule that ensures every sewer line is cleaned at least once every three years. Staff inspect manholes and mains for leaks and address issues such as illegal discharges to protect the system and the environment. The Sewer Utility expects about $7.45 million in revenue and $7.38 million in expenses in 2026.
Together, these three utilities ensure reliable water service, wastewater management, and stormwater protection, all essential services that will remain steady without any rate increases in 2026.