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Understanding Your Water and Sewer Services
Sometimes understanding water and sewer services may be confusing, therefore the Village has created this comprehensive frequently asked questions (FAQs) to help you understand your water and sewer services. These topics include water usage, billing and common issues and concerns. If these do not answer your questions, feel free to reach out by contacting the Village of Gurnee by submitting a service request here or by calling 847-599-7500.
Water and Sewer Services FAQs
Toilet flushing: 40% | Dishwashing: 6% |
Bath and shower: 32% | Cooking and drinking: 5% |
Laundry: 14% | Bathroom sink: 3% |
Annual watering restrictions are in effect from May 15 through September 15 and are as follows:
- Even numbered addresses may water their lawns on even numbered calendar days between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
- Odd numbered addresses may water their lawns on odd numbered calendar days between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
- Watering using hand-held devices (hose, sprinkling can, or bucket) would be allowed at any time.
- Residents with newly seeded or sodded yards may be issued a special permit for watering up to 14 consecutive days between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 10:00 a.m.
First, check to see if your meter reading is correct. The water meter is usually located in the basement, crawl space, or utility closet for homes without a basement. The reading should be taken from left to right. The reading in thousands of gallons on your bill and the reading on the inside meter and should be close. (Remember to factor in the water usage since the reading date.) If the reading on your bill is higher, please call (847) 599-7500, describe the discrepancy, and someone will be dispatched to take a corrected reading.
Second, check for leaks in your home. An easy way to check for leaks is to read your meter either at night or when you will be away from home for an extended period of time. Read the meter again in the morning or when you return home, before using any water. If the reading has changed, this suggests a leak. Also, most meters have a "low flow indicator". Typically this is a small triangle on the register. If that indicator is turning when you believe no water is being used, there is a leak somewhere. Common areas to check for leaks are toilets, sinks, water softeners, humidifiers, and sprinkler systems. If you are unable or unsure how to find or repair a leak, contact a licensed plumber. Remember a leak means you are paying for water you are not using.
During the summer months a discount is applied to the Lake County Public Works portion of your bill. The discount is based on the assumption that a portion of your summer water usage is not returned as sewage (lawn sprinkling, for example.) The discount applies to bills issued July 1 through December 1. The discount works as follows: Your summer LCPW charge will be based on no more than 110% of your average winter usage. If you used 15,000 gallons of water in the winter months, and have used 25,000 gallons used in summer months, your LCPW charge will be based on usage of 16,500 gallons (15,000 x 110%).
To remove the chlorine taste or smell, fill a clean pitcher or container with cold tap water and leave it uncovered overnight in the refrigerator. The chlorine content will dissipate.
By contacting Public Works first, the resident will save the cost of hiring a plumber in the event that the blockage causing the basement back-up in in the Village's main line sewer. Please contact Gurnee Public Works at (847) 599-6800 any time you experience a basement backup.
There are a number of signs that a toilet needs repairs, but many toilets leak without conspicuous indications of trouble. Here are some of the more obvious signs of a leaking toilet:
- If you have to jiggle the handle to make a toilet stop running.
- If you have to hold the handle down to allow the tank to empty.
Another option is to put a few drops of food coloring in the tank, wait about 15 minutes without flushing, and look in the bowl. If the food coloring shows up there, the tank is leaking and should be fixed.
Repair: The cause of most toilet leaks is a worn out flapper or ballcock. A new flapper is relatively inexpensive and easy to replace. Flappers can be found at local hardware stores and home improvement stores. Be sure to bring your old flapper when purchasing a new one. Click here for more information.
Leaks Still Flowing?
If you have determined you have leaks and you find these repair solutions are not enough to stop them, it might be time to contact a licensed plumber to assist you with the necessary repairs.
Most bathtub leaks are visible by drips coming from the tub spout. Occasionally, bathtub faucets may leak in other places such as the hot and/or cold water handle(s). Most showerhead leaks are visible by drips coming from the showerhead.
Repair: If you find a fixture that is leaking, turn off the water shutoff valve for that device and then locate the leak. Next, try to tighten any fittings that leak. A quarter or half turn with a wrench might do the trick. Be careful not to over-tighten fittings.
Another tip to see if you are wasting water is to check your water meter before and after a two-hour period when no water is being used. If the meter changes at all, you probably have a leak.
Leaks Still Flowing?
Most faucet leaks are plainly visible as drips coming out of the faucet aerator. Occasionally, faucets may leak in other places such as the on/off handle(s) or in the pipe below the basin. You may have a leak in the piping if there are visible drips coming from the piping or if there are wet, damp areas underneath the sink.
Repair: Faucets typically leak because of bad rubber washers, old gaskets or O-rings and corroded valve seats. If you decide to fix the faucet yourself, make sure you bring along the old faucet and parts when visiting the hardware or appliance store. A repair kit will have the key parts to replace to stop drips. Click here for more info.
Leaks Still Flowing?
If you have determined you have leaks and you find these repair solutions are not enough to stop them, it might be time to contact a licensed plumber to assist you with the necessary repairs.