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1. What are the Village Hall hours?

Village Hall is open Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. - 4 p.m.

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1. Does the Fire Department offer CPR classes?

View a schedule and obtain a sign up form on our Fire Academy page.

2. How do I get information about the Juvenile Firesetter Program?

Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 815-372-4045 and ask to speak to someone about the program.

3. Does the Village allow open burning?

Open burning is prohibited except for the burning of aged logs in free standing outdoor fireplaces. Refer to Chapter 91 Village of Romeoville Code of Ordinances– Fire Prevention 91.35/91.36 Fire Prevention Ordinance

4. Where can I go to get my blood pressure checked?

Visit any fire station, during normal business hours 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. If you believe you have a medical problem, please call 911.

5. How can I schedule a fire truck or a firefighter at my function?

Contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 815-372-4045 and ask for the Public Education Officer. If you request a fire truck with your block party, please fill out the block party application and return it to the Village Clerk’s office. Fill out the Block Party Application.

6. What should I do after a fire?

For additional information please view our After Fire fact sheet (PDF).

7. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. The Romeoville Fire Department thinks proactively when they respond to citizens in need of help. In other words, the firefighters are prepared to deal with the worst that could happen. They are fast, well-trained and pleasant in their response.

A computer selects the closest unit to respond to an incident. The fire department's philosophy is to get our firefighters there as soon as possible. This will be either an engine company or a ladder truck company. In preparation for the worse case scenario, an ambulance often is dispatched as well. There may be 3 fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. Plus, we respond as fast as we can; prepared to encounter the worst. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

8. Why do I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

As explained in the previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The 1st unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were cancelled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle responding with lights and siren through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been cancelled from the call they were going on.

9. Why does a fire engine respond when I call for an ambulance?

The Romeoville Fire Department believes in providing the best care in the most rapid method possible. At times, an ambulance may be out of position at the hospital or on another call. Our fire engines are fully equipped with Paramedics and advanced life support supplies to treat a patient until a transport unit arrives. We also send a fire engine to assist an ambulance on calls where the information provided to the dispatcher indicates that advanced care may needed.

Emergency medicine has evolved to the point where almost everything that can be done in an emergency room setting can also be done in the field by Paramedics. Many of the treatments and procedures involved require more than the 2 personnel assigned to the ambulance, thus warranting assistance from the fire engine personnel.

10. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?

This is called "venting the roof." There are 2 basic reasons for this practice. Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment. When a hole is made in the roof because the building is "vented," the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise. It makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of back draft and flash over.

Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic. Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

11. Can we schedule a tour of the fire station or have you come to a block party?

Contact Station 1 at 815-886-7231.

12. I recently received a telephone call asking for a donation that benefits our local fire department. Who receives the donations?

The Romeoville Fire Department or any affiliates never solicit via phone. We receive a budget from the Village for all purchases.

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1. What is carbon monoxide?

Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible, odorless gas. It is often the result of products not ventilating completely and produced when things such as oil, gas or coal burn. Since you can’t see, taste or smell it, carbon monoxide can kill you before you know it’s there.

2. How can carbon monoxide harm me?

Carbon monoxide affects what you need the most to survive - oxygen. The carbon monoxide bonds with your oxygen-carrying blood cells (hemoglobin) and takes the place of oxygen. When this happens it can cause you to get very ill. Carbon monoxide poisoning produces flu-like symptoms, such as headaches, fatigue, nausea, dizzy spells, confusion and irritability. As the amount of carbon monoxide increases you can begin to have any of the following:
- Vomiting
- Loss of consciousness
- Eventually brain damage or death

Victims exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide can become seriously ill or die under 15 minutes!

3. Where does carbon monoxide come from?

Carbon monoxide can be produced by gas or oil appliances such as a furnace, clothes dryer, range, oven, water heater or space heater. Majority of the problems take place when appliances are not working properly. From the 1st moment you notice a problem try and get it fixed. Sometimes problems can even start if things are working well. That is why it is important to check fuel burning appliances including, furnaces, venting and chimney systems at least once a year.

4. Where should you install the carbon monoxide alarm(s)?

According to the life safety Code (NFPA 101) Carbon Monoxide alarms are required in one and two family dwellings when they have attached garages or have fuel burning appliances / heating systems.

Carbon monoxide alarms should be placed:

- In the hallway outside of the sleeping rooms, located where you can hear the alarm if it were to activate.- At least one alarm on each occupiable level of a residence including basements. 

Also it is recommended that:

- Alarms are kept out of reach of children and pets
- Not placed near gas or oil appliances (at least 15 - 20 feet away)
- Do not place where the alarm will have exposure to strong cleaners or high humidity

The Romeoville Fire Prevention Bureau will gladly assist residents (such as seniors or the disabled) in checking and installing of your carbon monoxide detectors. Please contact the Fire Prevention Bureau at 815-372-4045.

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1. Does the Romeoville Police Department offer car seat inspections/installations?

The Romeoville Police Department offers free inspections/installations of your child car seat by certified technicians. For an appointment please contact the Police Department. For more information please visit Cyber Drive Illinois.

2. Does the Romeoville Police Department have a social worker?

The Romeoville Police Department offers free of charge, counseling services to residents. A licensed Clinical Social Worker is on staff full-time and can assist with family counseling, domestic violence and drug abuse. All services are strictly confidential.

3. Are there classes for children’s groups such as, boy scouts, girl scouts, preschools?

This presentation is restricted to private organizations that are youth related. Topics covered are “stranger danger”, personal safety, bicycle safety and when to report incidents to parents/police. For scheduling please contact the police department.

4. What are the Village of Romeoville curfew hours?

Everyone under the age of 18 years old who is on public property would be in violation of curfew between the hours of 10:30 p.m. - 5 a.m. Sunday through Thursday and 11:30 p.m. - 5 a.m. Friday through Saturday.

5. Does the Village offer a wildlife removal service?

No, the Village does not offer any wildlife removal services. Residents should contact a private wildlife removal company to find out what services they offer and what are the costs associated.

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1. What is the hardness of the water?

Residents located on the West side of Weber Road and also on the south side of 135th Street water hardness is currently between 12 and 15 grains per gallon due to the recent addition of the Ion Exchange Plants. All other residents are currently 21-25 grains per gallon.

2. I haven’t received my garbage can or recycling bin, who should I contact?

Waste Management is responsible for delivering the garbage cans and recycling bins. As long as you have established a water account in your name, you should contact Waste Management directly at 800-796-9696.

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1. Who is considered a resident and non-resident for registration fees?

People who pay property tax to the Village of Romeoville are considered residents. People who pay taxes to the Valley View School District are not determined resident or non-resident; it is determined by your property tax.

2. What is your refund policy?

When registering for a recreational program refunds are issued only if extenuating circumstances warrant. If a refund is issued it is on a prorated basis. Refunds are issued by the Village of Romeoville through the mail not by the Recreation Department. You should receive your refund within 30-60 working days after filling out a refund request form at the Romeoville Recreation Department. If the Recreation Department cancels a program/class you will be refunded your full amount that you paid for the class. It will be processed within 2-5 business days.

Rental refundable cash deposit may be picked up at the Recreation Center no earlier than 4 and no more than 10 business days after the rental. Deposits must be picked up in person within the 4 to 10 day period. If the rental deposit is not picked up within the time frame, the cash will be deposited into the Village of Romeoville general fund and a check for the amount of the deposit will automatically be requested in the name of the Lessee. Lessee will receive their check for the deposit from the Village of Romeoville approximately 4 to 6 weeks after the date of their event.

3. What are the numbers to your outside athletic organizations?

- Romeoville AYSO Soccer, Dana Patterson 815-212-3461
- Romeoville Pony League Baseball, President Brian Hollis 815-886-4444
- Romeoville Youth Spartans Football and Cheerleading
- Northern Will County Special Recreation Association 815-407-1819

Romeoville Parks & Recreation Athletics

4. How do you get to the Romeoville Recreation Department?

We are located at 900 W Romeoville Road/135th Street. From the north take Route 53 to 135th Street and go west to the Recreation Department. From the south take Weber Road go east on 135th Street to the Recreation Department.

5. What are your Fit 4 Life Fitness Center hours?

Please visit the Fit 4 Life Fitness Center Page.

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1. What is a carton?

Cartons are a type of packaging for food and beverage products you can purchase at the store. They are easy to recognize and are available in two types—shelf-stable and refrigerated.

Shelf-stable cartons for products such as juice, milk, soy milk, soup, broth and wine are found on the shelves in grocery stores.

Refrigerated cartons for products such as milk, juice, cream, and egg substitutes are found in the refrigerated section in grocery stores.

2. What are cartons made from?

Cartons are primarily made from paper, with a thin layer of polyethylene (plastic). Shelf-stable cartons contain a layer of aluminum as well, whereas refrigerated cartons do not.

3. Why cartons?

With an average of 94% product and only 6% packaging, cartons use the least amount of materials possible, helping to preserve our Earth’s precious resources. You can find cartons on the shelf, like broths, soups and soy milk, or in the refrigerated section, like milk, creamer and juice.

4. How do I recycle cartons?

Simply empty your cartons and place them in your recycling bin. If your recycling program collects materials as "single-stream," you may place your cartons in your bin with all the other recyclables. If your recycling program collects materials as "dual-stream" (paper items separate from plastic, metal and glass), please place cartons with your plastic, metal, and glass containers.

5. Where can I recycle cartons?

The majority of households in the U.S. now have access to carton recycling through curbside or drop-off programs. To learn whether you are able to recycle cartons in your community, enter your zip code here.

6. Carton recycling isn’t available in my area yet. Can I mail in my cartons to make sure they’re recycled?

Yes. Our network can recycle them on your behalf. Mailing in your cartons is easy.

Step 1: Make sure cartons are empty and dry. Keep the cap on and push any straws into the cartons. You can crush your cartons to save space.

 Step 2: Address your cartons to one of the three locations listed below. Choose whichever location is closest to you. Include proper postage and write "cartons" on the front of your package.  

If a facility is listed below, Carton Council has confirmed it is currently accepting cartons via mail. Please note that locations are not able to confirm receipt of packages. When shipments arrive at a facility, the cartons are emptied from the box and deposited with cartons already at the facility and the shipping box is recycled.

• GFL (formerly Altogether Recycling), 645 W 53rd Place, Denver, CO 80216
• Firstar Fiber, 10330 "I" Street; Suite 100, Omaha, NE 68127
• Tidewater Fiber, 1958 Diamond Hill Road, Chesapeake, VA 23324
• Emmet County Recycling, 7363 Pleasantview Road, Harbor Springs, MI 49740

Click here to learn about more options if carton recycling is not yet available in your area.

7. Wait, you just said cartons are mostly made of paper. Don’t I want to put them with other paper recyclables?

Good question. The answer is no. Once cartons arrive at your local sorting center, they will be sorted separately from the rest of the materials. In the end, as long as all cartons are sorted together, the material will then be recycled.

8. Do I need to remove plastic caps when recycling my cartons?

No. Please place cartons with the cap intact into the bin.

9. Do I need to rinse my cartons?

No, you do not need to rinse your cartons. As long as the carton is empty, it is okay to place in your recycling.

10. Should I flatten my cartons?

No, you should not flatten your carton. Optic sorters used at Material Recovery Facilities have a higher chance of recognizing cartons for proper sorting while containers still retain their 3D shape. This means cartons can be sorted more efficiently in their 3D form and should not be crushed, folded or flattened in any way before entering the recycle bin.

11. Do recycled cartons become new products?

Yes! Recycled cartons are turned into products you use every day, like tissue paper or office paper, or even building materials, like ceiling and roofing tiles. And these “new” products are better for the environment, too. Producing recycled paper creates 74% less air pollution and 35% less water pollution than producing paper from virgin fibers.

12. Is there a waxy coating on cartons? Isn’t that why they are difficult to recycle?

What you may see as wax on a carton is actually a thin layer of polyethylene or plastic, which is recyclable too. Feel free to recycle cartons with this shiny coating.

13. What happens to the aluminum and plastic left over after the carton recycling process in a paper mill?

The aluminum/plastic combination left over can be used in different ways. Some mills are using the material for generating energy; others sell it to plastic manufacturers that use them for lumber board-like materials. In some cases, the material ends up in a landfill. Better solutions for the leftover materials are under consideration. In the case of building materials, the whole carton is used and the carton's polyethylene plastic becomes the binding system that holds the boards together in Continuus' products.

14. How many cartons does it take to create building materials?

About 400 cartons can make up each 4’x8’ Continuus Material board. Each truckload of Continuus’ products can remove almost 300,000 cartons from the landfill.

15. Do the building materials really work?

Yes! Cartons are great for building materials because they are inherently moisture and mold resistant – just like you want your ceiling and roofing tiles to be.

16. Who is the Carton Council?

It is a group of carton packaging manufacturers united to grow carton recycling in the US. The members of the Carton Council are Elopak, Evergreen, SIG Combibloc, and Tetra Pak.

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1. What does REMA do?

REMA Assists the Police, Fire and other village departments with emergency functions such as traffic control, emergency lighting, crowd control, downed power lines. REMA is directly responsible for weather spotting, outdoor warning siren activation, flooded basement pump outs, first aid at special events, operation of the Village Emergency Operations Center, and search and rescue.

2. How old do you have to be to Join REMA?

You have to be 18 years old to be involved with REMA.

3. Do you get paid?

No, REMA members are volunteers from the Romeoville area.

4. Do you have to live in Romeoville?

No, but you do need to live reasonably close, to be able to respond to calls, attend meetings, and training.

5. What do you do when you do not have any calls?

With all of our members being volunteers, they lead dual lives which include jobs, family obligations, and the department. We try to make sure that we balance the department with member’s personal lives.

6. How many calls do you go on a year?

The department averages about 200 calls for service per year, which are about two calls every three days on average. The department membership put in over 7,500 hours in 2003.

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1. How soon after a snowfall does plowing and salting operations begin?

Depending on the weather forecast, salting operations may begin in advance of a snow storm, otherwise it will begin shortly thereafter. Once called out for service, snow removal staff begin plowing and salting according to routes established to make optimum use of manpower, equipment and salt supplies. Because of their traffic function and posted speed limit, local arterial streets and collectors are plowed and salted with a higher priority than plowing on local side streets, dead ends, and cul-de-sacs.

2. Does the Village impose a parking ban?

In an effort to keep our residents safe and streets cleared during the winter, the Village of Romeoville has instituted a new snow parking ordinance. Read more on the Snow Parking Ordinance Page.

3. Which streets are salted?

The Village's Public Works Department salts all Village streets. The main arterial and minor collector streets receive a full salting. The side streets, cul-de-sacs, and dead end streets receive a spot salting. Full saltings are also done in areas which pose a special safety hazard to motorists or pedestrians, such as school crossings, roadway curves and inclines.

4. What other information do I need to know to assist the Village's snow removal operation?

Large ornamental rocks placed along the curb pose a significant safety hazard to snow removal equipment. Ornamental rocks adjacent to a curb are classified as a right-of-way obstruction and must be relocated to prevent serious damage to plow and salt trucks.

Residents who have a fire hydrant on their property are asked to remove snow from around the hydrant.

On garbage collection days, residents are asked to keep their refuse and recycling containers off of the street and curb line.

5. Why can't the Village's snow plow staff keep from discharging snow in front of my driveway during plowing operations?

The Village's Public Works Department, like most suburban highway maintenance departments, utilizes angle plows to remove snow from the streets. The major advantage of an angle plow design is that it enables snow removal staff to rapidly and efficiently respond to a snow call out request. It is impossible with side angle plow design to prevent a windrow of snow from forming in front of a driveway entrance.

Though an inconvenience, curbside discharge of snow is a necessary trade-off of initiating a rapid response for snow removal service for our residents. Furthermore, we ask residents to refrain from shoveling the snow from their driveways back into the streets. Doing so can impede traffic flow and create a danger to motorists that increases the likelihood of injury and property damage. Snow redistribution on the street gets compacted and hardens into ice patches.

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1. What work will be done?

First, the contractor will replace any concrete sidewalk or curb and gutter that have already been determined by the Village. Following the concrete work, the contractor will mill/grind the existing asphalt surface in preparation for new asphalt pavement. After the existing asphalt is ground, Village of Romeoville Public Works or contractor cleans and repairs the pavement base as needed before installing the new asphalt pavement on top.

Weather and scheduling are very dynamic during construction, and the Village coordinates with the contractor to ensure completion dates are met.

2. What is a curb? What is it used for?

Concrete curbs or combined curbs and gutters serve several important functions. Curbs collect water from crowned pavements and convey it to points of collection, thus reducing the amount of water that gets under the pavement. Curbs outline the edges of pavements and provide easily definable borders between traveled and untraveled surfaces. Curbs also confine pavement structures, especially if the pavements are composed of layers of materials that must be compacted in-place. In addition, curbs help contain low speed traffic within the edges of pavements.

3. Will I have access to my driveway?

If the curb and/or sidewalk across your driveway requires replacement, access will be blocked until the work is complete. The process typically consists of removing the old concrete, installing new concrete, and completing any patches to the driveway if needed. The process can take up to one week as the new concrete must cure before it is strong enough for vehicle loading. The contractor is responsible for issuing notices to each home in which work will be done in front of a driveway. These notices are required to be delivered a few days in advance of work. The contractor also will knock on the resident’s door the morning the work will begin.

While access is blocked to the driveway, vehicles can park on the street but may be directed to certain locations by the contractor to allow access to work areas. The Police Department will be notified and overnight parking will be allowed for the affected driveways.

4. Why isn't my curb being replaced?

Curbs are designed for drainage. It's unusual for there to be a problem, as most curbs are fine and drain properly. Generally, if a curb needs to be replaced it's because it has shifted, broken or doesn’t drain properly. In order to stay on-budget, the Village must follow its procedure and stay within the guidelines for replacement (and not replace simply for aesthetic reasons). 

The Village places the most importance on curbs that have excessive damage/cracking, as well as locations where water sits in the curbline due to an insufficient slope in the curbline.

Your curb may not meet the criteria for removal and therefore wasn't approved for replacement. Please call the Romeoville Public Works Department at (815) 886-1870 for more information.

5. Why isn't my entire apron being replaced?

A driveway apron is the parkway portion of your driveway, from the curb to the sidewalk. The only time an entire apron is replaced is if the sidewalk and curb are being repaired or elevation changes are needed.Private driveways receive a three foot patch only for sidewalk repair unless damaged area exceeds three feet, to be determined by the Village. Due to the Village's budget, the entire apron cannot be replaced. In order to get the most curb done for the lowest cost, the Village must focus on operation and not aesthetics.

6. Why was the sidewalk on the corner removed?

Public Works changes sidewalks on corners to conform to Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines. If a corner sidewalk does not cross to another ADA-compliant sidewalk, it will be removed and replaced with dirt and seed.

7. They worked on my curb, and now the curb and driveway aren't the same height. Why is this?

There are several reasons for this, including:

1. The curb may have dropped. Curbs are replaced to the original level in order to convey water away from your yard.
2. Most likely your apron/driveway settled at the same time as the curb.
3. Curbs and aprons are repaired in order to get runoff to flow into the curbline and to a storm drain. This most likely requires your curbline and apron elevations to be modified, resulting in a driveway sloped toward the street.

The Village doesn't depress existing high curbs if:

1. The curb doesn't warrant removal
2. The driveway is constructed of brick-paver
3. Depressing the curb will cause an unsafe grade change between the curb and sidewalk

Otherwise, the Village replaces driveway curbing with depressed curbing wherever it doesn't affect other concrete adjacent to the new concrete.

8. Why didn't they fix a larger section of my curb?

The Village replaces only what needs to be replaced to fix drainage issues.

9. The grass was not restored. Will this ever get done?

The Street Improvement Program contract has deadlines that must be completed on time (lawn restoration usually occurs in October). Contractors are instructed to put dirt and seed. If that doesn’t take, the contractor will replace the dirt and seed.

10. Why was my street selected to be resurfaced?

In addition to performing an annual road assessment, the Village looks at data compiled using a standard industry process to establish roadway conditions. If your street is being worked on it was determined to be a high priority for that year. Roads are selected based on a few determining factors, including pavement cracking, pot holes, slopes and/or grading issues.

11. Will school buses and garbage trucks be able to use the road?

Yes. The roadway will be open to traffic. At times, there may be slight delays caused by the work. The Village also may request that you place your refuse and recycling out earlier than normal in an effort to complete the area pick-ups before construction begins.

12. What happens if the contractor damages my mailbox or sprinkler system?

If you notice damage to your mailbox, please report it to Public Works immediately at (815) 886-1870. If you're aware of the location of your sprinkler heads, please mark them with flags, paint or notify the Village or contractor directly. This will allow the contractor to use greater caution in your area when removing the curb and/or sidewalk. The Village is not responsible for the incidental damage of a sprinkler system that is located on the parkway per Code Ordinance.

13. Will the road be closed?

Roads will remain open at all times. However, there may be traffic delays due to construction activities throughout the project. This may encourage residents that know alternate routes to consider using them.

14. Why does it take so long to complete the project? Why isn't the contractor working today?

The contractor is required to complete the work by a date specified in the contract. They are permitted to schedule the work in any way they choose, as long as the final deadline is met. Factors affecting the contractor’s schedule are workload, subcontractor availability and weather. We are sorry for the inconvenience, however, we are certain the finished product will be well worth the inconvenience.

15. Can I drive on tack oil?

Yes, but please drive slowly to minimize spray. If you have a brick or concrete driveway, avoid driving into your driveway while the tack oil is on the pavement. The Village does not pay to have oil removed from vehicles. Residents who know alternate routes are encouraged to use them to avoid getting tack coat (oil) on their vehicles.

16. What if I have special needs?

Handicap ramps are available for residents with special needs. Please call Public Works to make arrangements at (815) 886-1870.

17. What are some tips to ensure proper grass restoration when construction is completed?

Once construction is completed:

1. Water, water, water! Please keep in mind that no plant will establish or survive without an adequate level of moisture. This is especially true once we move into the warmer months and might require watering more than once a day. Watering everyday in the morning is best, ideally between 4:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. This will allow the most efficient use of water for the new seed. Keeping the seedbed moist is the most critical component for successful establishment. The areas don't have to be saturated with water, just moist at the surface level. Our custom grass seed formulation will germinate in 7-10 days if you water every day. 
2. When any area of bare ground is disturbed, some weed growth will occur. Removing these weed plants by hand is another way to accelerate establishment. These plants steal sunlight and water from the desirable grass plants.

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1. Where does the water in the village come from?

The kitchen sink, that’s easy! It often feels that simple, but the water supply provided by the Village has somewhat of a more complicated route before you actually use it in your homes or businesses.

The Village of Romeoville draws its groundwater supply from 5 deep wells (pumping water from 900 - 1,200 ft. below the surface) and 7 shallow wells (pumping from 80 -200 ft. below the surface) located throughout the Village.

Once the raw water is pumped, chlorine is added for disinfection. This treated water is then transported to various storage tanks throughout the Village. Through a maze of mains, the water is then pumped to all areas of the Village. Feeding off the main line is each individual service line leading into your residence or business. A buffalo box is installed at the beginning of the service line just off the main which serves as the primary access to terminate and restore water service to an individual home. As the service line feeds into the home, there is a shut-off valve just prior to the water meter. This valve is owned and maintained by the resident and allow residents to terminate the supply of water feeding into the home when needed. 

The Village of Romeoville monitors the tank levels, pressures, and flow through a sophisticated program called SCADA. Levels in the storage tanks do not remain constant throughout the day. During the night and early morning hours, the tank levels are at their highest. As the usage throughout town increases, the tank levels decrease. This cycle allows constant pumping rates and minimizes the number of starts and stops on the pumping equipment.

2. How much water does the Village pump each day and year?

On average, the Village pumps around 4 million gallons per day and 1.5 billion gallons a year.

3. What is the hardness of my water?

Typically, the water in Romeoville ranges from 10 – 20 grains per gallon. (We are currently in the process of designing a new water treatment plant on the far northeast end of town where readings are still around 30 grains per gallon).

4. Is my water safe to drink?

The Village of Romeoville’s water is safe to use and consume. We consistently meet or exceed all EPA standards set for water quality. Lastly, the Village monitors its water system 24/7 365 days a year via a sophisticated SCADA system.

5. How often does the Village test the water?

The Village tests the water from various locations throughout the Village on a daily, monthly and yearly basis then reports this information to the IEPA. Information about those tests results can be reviewed in conjunction with our annual drinking water report located on our website as well.

6. What types of water treatment does the Village currently use?

• 5 Ion Exchange Softening Treatment Plants for Radium Removal
• 1 Iron Removal Facility
• 1 UV Treatment Facility

7. Does my water still contain radium?

In 2003, the Village chose Ion Exchange Treatment Softening as its preferred method to achieve compliance with the newly set radium standard of the Safe Drinking Water Act. The Village has been 100% radium compliant since 2005 and consistently tests below the EPA standard of 5 picocuries per liter.

8. Does Romeoville water contain Lead?

The Village’s distribution system does NOT contain any lead service lines or water mains. Depending on the age of your home, there may be some amount of lead in your homes plumbing system. As a good practice, you should flush your taps for 1-2 minutes if the water in your home has been sitting for several hours.

9. Sometimes my water is discolored and tastes different. Why?

The Village’s water system has been in service for over 60 years. As a result, many of the older cast iron water mains contain a type of reddish-brown corrosion known as, tuberculation. While this corrosion is harmless, it can affect taste and color from time to time. The Village flushes its fire hydrants annually to help combat this problem and also has begun a yearly water main replacement program to remove these older pipes from our system.

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1. What is a watermain?

Watermains are underground pipes that carry water from the reservoirs and pumping stations to your streets.

2. What happens if a hole or crack develops in the pipe?

The water will usually find its way to the surface. Because the watermain is under pressure, water will continue to flow until the break is controlled.

3. Whom should I contact to report a watermain break?

Monday through Friday, between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., contact the Romeoville Public Works at 815-886-1870. After hours or on weekends, contact the Romeoville Police Department at 815-886-7219.

4. What causes watermain breaks?

Watermain breaks usually result from external corrosion of the pipe. Extreme weather changes can cause the ground to swell and contract, placing excessive pressure on the watermains, causing any weakened pipe to break.

5. Does cold weather cause more watermain breaks?

Cold weather is one of the extreme weather conditions that can cause watermain breaks. Watermain breaks are more likely to occur when frost penetrates deep into the ground, to a level of five to six feet, usually from late January until early April. While cold temperatures may send the frost deeper, the level of snow cover is also important. Snow will act as a blanket insulating the ground. In years when there is plenty of snow, the frost does not go as deep. However, just as many watermain breaks can occur during other extreme weather conditions, such as a hot, dry summer when the ground is very dry, or a very wet summer.

6. How do you repair watermain breaks?

See our How We Repair Watermain Breaks Page.

7. How long does it take to repair a watermain break?

If there are no complications, we can usually repair a watermain break within 4-6 hours.

8. Will you let me know if you need to turn the water off to repair a watermain on my street?

There usually isn’t time to notify residents. The water can flood the streets and private property causing damage and safety hazard, and must be controlled as quickly as possible. If there are non-emergency scheduled repairs, the Village of Romeoville Public Works will distribute a notice door to door for the affected residents in advance.

9. Will I notice anything different about my water after you repair a watermain break?

Water is sometimes discolored after watermain breaks, but this should not last long. Do not use the discolored water for laundry. Try not to use the hot water when you experience the discoloration as it may draw into your hot water tank and take a longer time to clear.