Show All Answers

1. How can I obtain a city water hookup if I’m in an unincorporated area?

A connection to the City’s water supply system can be made if water main piping is in place where the property is located. The Water Production Division, 630-256-3250, can make a determination as to whether water main is readily available to the subject property location. If water main piping is available, then the subject property owner may be required to annex into the COA and pay all required water supply connection fees.

If the property owner is not to be annexed into the COA, then the owner will be required to pay the applicable connection fees and will be charged double the normal water billing rate for water used. If the property is located outside COA corporate limits, please call the Development Services Team (DST) at 630-256-3163 and schedule a meeting with city staff to determine annexation options. If property is within COA corporate limits, call the Division of Building Permits at 630-256-3130 for permit requirements.

2. How may I obtain information about city water pressure?

Questions regarding city water pressure should be directed to the Water Production Division at 630-256-3250.

3. I’m having problems with low flow or pressure in certain parts of my home. What should I do?

First, if possible, check with your neighbors to see whether they are experiencing similar problems. If they are, it’s possible there may be a problem with our system, such as a water main break, and we should be notified so that corrective action may be taken. If not, the problem may be in the plumbing system in your own home, especially if the problem occurs only in certain parts of your home.

Water piping in older homes is susceptible to reduction in effective size due to internal scale buildup. If this happens, reduced flow or pressure at specific fixtures may be observed. Other possible causes may include partially plugged strainers or aerators. In such cases, if cleaning the strainer fails to correct the problem, a licensed plumber should be consulted.

4. I have no water, low water pressure or my water has been turned off. What should I do?

Contact the Water and Sewer Maintenance Division at 630-256-3710 during normal working hours, and 855-432-0062 at other times.

5. I would like my water turned on. Whom should I contact?

Contact the Water and Sewer Maintenance Division at 630-256-3710 during normal working hours, and 855-432-0062 at other times.

6. My basement is flooded and/or my catch basin is backed up. What should I do?

Contact the Water and Sewer Maintenance Division at 630-256-3710 during normal working hours, and 855-432-0062 at other times. If the basement is flooded as the result of a severe storm, the water may be contaminated. There may also be electrical hazards present if the water has submerged electrical fixtures in the basement (e.g. circuit breaker panel).

7. Can I arrange for a tour of the Water Treatment Plant?

Unfortunately, since the events of September 11, 2001, many public utility facilities, such as water and wastewater treatment plants, have discontinued the practice of providing tours. Such facilities are considered potential terrorist targets, and security has been increased to protect them. Therefore, tours of the Water Treatment Plant are not offered to the general public.

8. How do I obtain information on the city’s backflow control program?

The backflow control program is an annual inspection program under which certain COA water customers must obtain annual inspections. This is to ensure that their water system is free of cross-connections, which could provide an entry point for contamination. Common examples of such users include commercial buildings with hot water boilers or fire suppression systems, and users with permanently installed underground irrigation (sprinkler) systems. To obtain further information, please contact Daryl Devick, Assistant Director of Public Works, at 630-256-3200.