As part of its "Big 4" water and sewer system improvement projects, the City of Freeport is planning an overhaul of the city's water system, from tripling the number of municipal wells to installing a new water tower and separating the city into two water pressure zones to better serve the needs of its residents and businesses.
Work on the much-needed project has begun and will continue until December 2013.
A number of major parts of Freeport's water system, which was designed and built to serve a city without much development on the west side, are in need of repair:
- An altitude valve installed at the standpipe located on Burchard Avenue is failing; the facility is no longer serving its original purpose as a water tower. (Water towers function as more than just storage facilities; they are built on high ground to help boost the water pressure for the surrounding homes and businesses.) The standpipe is completely filled with water, but its height and design are not enough to provide any pressure boost.
- The City's water treatment plant also requires costly repairs. Because Freeport currently has a single water source (well) and no functioning water tower, the machinery at the water plant must work harder to deliver water from that one source to all the residents and businesses in the city.
After studying the options, city engineers determined that the combined cost of repairs to the Burchard Avenue standpipe and the water treatment plant are comparable to putting up a new water tower at the Burchard Avenue site and making the necessary changes at the water treatment plant. When funds became available through the IEPA loan, the decision was made to build the new tower, dig additional wells and update the water treatment plant. These improvements will help Freeport continue to meet the ever-growing water demands of its residents and encourage business growth.
Below is a brief recap of the water improvement project work. Please read the FAQs for details, or call the water hotline at 1-815-801-8000.
| Project work | How to know if you will be affected | What to expect | What to Do |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Build a new water tower on Burchard Avenue.
Dig more wells. Update the water treatment plant. |
See the map/description of affected areas on the west side of Freeport. | You MAY notice increased water pressure IF YOU LIVE ON THE WEST SIDE OF FREEPORT. (see map/description) An existing leak not noticed before COULD worsen; a faulty or weak joint COULD burst or leak due to increased pressure. Read more. (FAQs #6, #8, #9, #10) |
You MAY want to: • Ask a licensed plumber for a free home inspection if you suspect an increase in pressure will affect the plumbing in your home or business. |
|
Plumbing fixtures may TEMPORARILY creak, sputter or make noises when main water pipes are flushed.
If you live in the affected zone you WILL briefly and TEMPORARILY have discolored water. Read more. (FAQ #7) |
When your water is discolored do NOT wash clothes or dishes; do not drink it. Run the tap water until clear before using it. |
