WATER DEPARTMENT

Water Restrictions

As a condition of receiving Lake Michigan water, the Illinois Department of Natural Resources requires that all communities that use lake water must have an ordinance in place restricting outside water use effective every year from May 15- September 15. Water may be used on an odd/even calendar basis according to your address from 6 a.m. - 10 a.m. OR 6 p.m. - 10 p.m. There are two exceptions. You may water newly sodded or seeded lawn areas for the first four weeks after initial planting. You may water any plants or other vegetation with a sprinkling can or other handheld water container.

Recognizing Frozen Pipes

Generally, when a pipe that feeds a certain fixture such as a shower, sink or toilet freezes, you will no longer be able to get water through that fixture. This would be the case if the pipe is frozen solid. 

Prevent Your Pipes From Freezing 

• Keep the water meter area or pipes exposed to outside walls heated 
• Never enclose utilities behind walls 
• Provide ventilation to pipes to allow warmer air to circulate around them 
• Insulate your pipes 
• Caulk and seal any openings near water pipes 
• Keep some tap water running 

Distribution field items maintained by the Water department 

• Service line leaks from the water main up to the b/box* 
• B/boxes - locations and replacements 
• Fire hydrant flushing 

• Fire hydrant repairs 
• Fire hydrant and auxiliary valve replacements 
• Water main breaks 
• Paint distribution valves 
• Exercise distribution valves 

*A leak on a 3/4'' and 1" water service line from the water main up to the b/box, including all connections, will be repaired by the Water department. A leak on a 1 1/2" or larger water service line is solely the property owner's responsibility. 

Any damage caused by the Water department from excavation will be repaired by the department. The department also performs regular general maintenance to its buildings and grounds and maintains all of its vehicles and equipment. 

Water Service Connection - Property Owner's Responsibilities 

The Water department only maintains the water meter inside a home or business. All plumbing and related valves are the owner's responsibilities. We will repair, or if necessary, replace the water meter if it is leaking or damaged at no charge to the customer. This includes the touch pad and wire on the outside of the home or business.

Distribution Information

Pumping stations: 3  
Total pumpage capacity: 8,700 gallons per minute  
Storage capacity: 6.5 million gallons, including a one million-gallon water tower  
Natural gas emergency pump: 1 (1,200 gallons per minute)  
No. of fire hydrants: 545  
No. of distribution valves: 618  
Miles of water main: 43 

Water Service Connections  
Residential: 5,539  
Commercial: 297  
Industrial: 50