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| The primary function of the Public
Works Maintenance Utility Division is to maintain and improve the
Village's water distribution and sanitary collection systems including
fire hydrants. This is accomplished on a daily, preventative, and
emergency basis and via long term public/capital improvement processes.
This Division is also responsible for the installation, maintenance,
repair, and reading of water meters. |
Major Service Activities |
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Annual programs include
fire hydrant inspection/maintenance, water valve exercising/maintenance,
bi-annual water system flushing (spring/fall), continual 10 year
water meter exchange and water meter inspection/testing. |
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Daily activities include Village
meter reading and inside/outside meter reading/inspections, water
valve replacements, water service maintenance/repairs, sanitary main
collection system and manhole structure maintenance and repairs,
along with locating underground water & sewer facilities. |
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Other responsibilities involve
construction coordination, Village water/sewer utility locates, customer
service, oversees the water system leak detection survey and sanitary
collection inflow/infiltration study. |
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| The Utility division performs extensive
proposed construction utility plan reviews, field and final punch list and bond release inspections. |
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| Frequently Asked Questions |
| Q: |
Whom do I contact regarding my Utility bill? |
| A: |
Please contact Utility Billing located at the Village Hall at (847)
304-3430. |
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| Q: |
I have a water leak in my house. How do I turn off the water? |
| A: |
Each home has an inside shutoff valve that is located on the water
service before the water meter which is the responsibility of the
homeowner to replace or repair. The water can be shut off at this
valve. The water meter is usually located in your basement, or crawl
space area. Should you find this valve be inoperable, contact the
Public Works Department at (847) 381-7903 to have the
outside B-box turned off. The B-box is generally located in the parkway
or in the street. |
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| Q: |
Where does the Village's responsibility begin and end when it comes
to repairs/replacement of a sanitary sewer break in a commercial
or residential service line? |
| A: |
The Village of Barrington is responsible for the sanitary sewer
main (typically running down the middle of the street or in the parkway)
and the sanitary service connection at the main. From the service
connection to inside the building is the property owner's responsibility
for maintenance and repairs. |
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| Q: |
Why is my water rusty during hydrant flushing? |
| A: |
Fire hydrant flushing removes a considerable amount of the loose
mineral contents and settled solids that accumulate in the water
system. During hydrant flushing, the water system becomes stirred
up until flushing is complete. |
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| Q: |
Where does the Village's responsibility begin and end when it comes
to repairs/replacement of a water line break in a commercial or residential
water line? |
| A: |
The Village of Barrington is responsible for the water service
from the connection at the water main to the underground shut-off
(b-box) valve which is located in the parkway or in the street. The
property owner is responsible for any repairs or maintenance needed
on the service line from the b-box to the building. |
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| Q: |
We had a water main break in my yard/parkway. When will my yard/parkway
be restored? |
| A: |
Unfortunately, there is no simple answer to this question. Many
factors affect the restoration of the parkway such as the time of
the year that the excavation was made, availability of dry topsoil,
availability of hot asphalt for driveway repairs, etc. Every effort
will be made to have the repairs completed in a timely fashion. For
example, if the excavation was made during the months of November
through February, the Public Works Department will try to have the
restoration completed prior to Memorial Day. For excavations during
March through October, we strive to have the excavated area completed
within 8 to 10 weeks. A major challenge is to get the parkway area "settled" so
that after the restoration is complete, a return trip to add topsoil
or repave a driveway because of settlement will not occur. |
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| Q: |
When you repair my parkway/yard, can you replace it with sod, instead
of grass seed? |
| A: |
The Village uses a quality grass seed to repair all excavations
in lawn areas. There are a couple of reasons we use seed. First,
seed provides a thicker, more drought resistant lawn after the seed
grows. Second, during the summer months, if sod is not watered regularly
it dies which necessitates a return trip to remove and replace the
dead sod which increases costs as well as lengthens the time it takes
to bring the yard back to its original condition. If there are areas
of the seed that do not fill in, Public Works will return to re-seed
that area. |
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| Q: |
My sewer has backed up in my basement. Whom should I call? |
| A: |
Call Public Works at (847) 381-7903 before you call
a plumber. It could possibly be the Village's main sanitary line.
We need to verify this before a plumber is contacted. |
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| Q: |
I have an old lead water service in my home. Is the water safe
to drink? |
| A: |
Yes, the water is safe to drink. For further explanation, please
refer to the pamphlet "Lead and Your Family's Health," available
at both the Village Hall and Public Works. |
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| Q: |
During a water main break, how will I know when the water service
has been restored to my home? |
| A: |
Check your faucet periodically to see if water service has been
restored in your area. |
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| Q: |
I am experiencing low water pressure in my home/business. What
should I do? |
| A: |
Start by checking and cleaning faucet screens for sediment that
might have built up within them, or place your water softener in
the bypass mode to see if water pressure has increased. If no change
has occurred, contact Public Works at (847) 381-7903 to
schedule an appointment for one of our meter technicians to come
out and check the inside water meter. |
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| Q: |
Does the Village have a sanitary sewer program for overhead sewers or flood control systems? |
| A: |
The Village of Barrington has a cost share program for installation
of sanitary overhead sewers. Please contact Public Works at (847) 381-7903 for
information regarding this program. |
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| Q: |
I have a water meter on the outside of my house. Why do I have
to make an appointment for you to read my water meter inside? |
| A: |
If the outside register is not functioning properly, or has been
damaged, it will be necessary for Public Works to gain access to
the home or business to obtain a reading from the master meter located
on the inside of the property to clear up any possible billing discrepancies. |
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| Q: |
I am replacing the shut-off valve by my water meter. Who is responsible
for this repair, the Village or me? |
| A: |
The Village of Barrington owns and maintains only the
water meter. The property owner is responsible for repairs or replacement
of the interior shutoff valve before and after the water meter. Please
contact Public Works, (847) 381-7903, at least 48
hours in advance so we can make sure the outside b-box is operational
prior to calling a plumber to replace your inside valve. |
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