Days earlier than taking workplace, Mayor Lori Lightfoot declared water a “basic human right” and ended water shut-offs that had reduce off a “lifeline” to low-income households struggling to pay skyrocketing water payments. Chicago seems to be paying a heavy worth for that kinder, gentler method. And it might have long-term ramifications for the most important of 4 metropolis worker pension funds. Since Lightfoot ended the last word weapon in opposition to water scofflaws, month-to-month water invoice collections dropped by $20 million — from $74.7 million in October to $54.6 million in November and $55.5 million in December. January collections have been $61.eight million. An even greater pink flag is February. Through Feb. 17,