The issue of water quality in Chatham drew hundreds to the village’s community center Wednesday night.

The village severed its ties with CWLP and joined a separate water provider, but many say the water is undrinkable and is leaving residue in sinks and showers. Jewel Brandt, a Chatham resident and a water quality engineer lays the blame at the South Sangamon Water Commission’s feet.

“The prices are too high. Lab reports show the alkalinity is too high” says Brandt. “Who owns the water plant? We do.”

The deal to build the water plant near Riverton cost the village nearly $55-million dollars but some residents say it wasn’t worth it.

The commission did not appear to be represented at the meeting but says in a statement the water meets all environmental standards.

It is not yet clear what the next step may be.