Department of Water Management Comm. Andrea Cheng speaks during a committee meeting Tuesday. [Erin Hegarty/The Daily Line]

Leaders of the city’s water management and finance departments on Tuesday attempted to allay concerns from alderpersons and Chicago residents about “astronomical” water bill increases residents are receiving, some of which suggest households are using more water than the Shedd Aquarium.  

City officials chalked much of the expensive water bills up to issues with water meter readings and human error.