State regulatory judges have recommended the Illinois Commerce Commission approve a $10.9 million rate hike for Aqua Illinois, about 43% below what is being sought, according to a utility watchdog group.But the reduction from $19.2 million as outlined in a proposed order by two ICC administrative law judges isn't enough, according to the Citizens Utility Board.“This is a step in the right direction for long-suffering Aqua customers, but we believe the evidence submitted by consumer advocates calls for an even greater reduction for customers who have for years faced high bills and poor water quality,” Sara Moskowitz, CUB executive director, said in a statement this week.The five-member ICC is expected to make a final ruling on the request no later than Nov. 21.Aqua Illinois serves about 273,000 customers in central and northern Illinois, including about 1,200 in the Hawthorn Woods area. The rate-hike request filed in January estimated the average wastewater and water bill would increase $29.91 per month, according to CUB. The company in a response Friday said the recommendation by the administrative law judges is “a normal and expected” part of a process involving rate adjustment requests.