The City requires all industrial, commercial and residential customers (residential customers with underground irrigation systems) to have their lawn irrigation system (backflow device) tested upon installation and annually thereafter. Residents can read this primer regarding lawn irrigation.

The City has contracted with Aqua Backflow for the past several years to track and sends out notices of when backflow devices (cross-connection) need to be tested. Devices can be tested by any number of certified cross-connection control device inspectors.

Failure to comply with this ordinance is subject to discontinuance of your water service.

Why Is Testing Necessary?

In order to comply with the Illinois Pollution Control Board Regulations and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, all public water supplies are required to have an active cross-connection control program.

A cross-connection is a link through which contaminating materials can enter the drinking water supply when the pressure of the private water source exceeds the pressure of the public drinking water source. This action is called backflow.

All active irrigation devices must be tested and will be monitored for compliance.

Make Sure To Winterize Irrigation Systems Each Fall

Failure to winterize a residential lawn irrigation system can be a costly mistake. If the system's backflow preventer is located outdoors, people should remember to blow out the system, remove the preventer and store it someplace warm for the winter.

What If I Don't Use My Lawn Irrigation System?

Residents choosing not to utilize your irrigation system must complete a temporary removal form annually. People should follow the instructions and submit their completed form, along with a photo of their uninstalled device to Aqua Backflow via email or by U.S. mail to Aqua Backflow's address (located on the form).

The City is assessing cross-connection fees monthly as opposed to annually to customers who have lawn irrigation, fire suppression systems or other backflow devices. Instead of an annual fee, customers are now assessed $2 per month.

Refunds will not be given on this fee unless residents have permanently disconnected their underground irrigation system. If this is the case, people must contact the City's Public Works Water Division at 630-232-1551 and arrange to have an inspection performed on their system to determine if it has been properly disconnected.