FAQs

Automated Red Light Photo Enforcement

What do I do if I receive a citation?

If you receive a citation in the mail you should follow the instructions on the back. Detailed information is provided on how to pay or contest the violation. Should the individual decide to contest the violation, he/she may do so through the Village’s adjudication program.

Is the citation valid if it was not issued by a uniformed police officer?

Yes. These violations will be reviewed and authorized by sworn officers of the Wauconda Police Department. Each Review Officer will be specifically trained in the operation and review process of the Red Light Photo Enforcement Program. These tickets are treated as a civil violation (just like a parking ticket) and will not impact the registered owner’s driving record or insurance rates.

What if I wasn't driving the car?

Under Illinois State Law, HB 4835, the registered owner of the vehicle is liable for any automated traffic law violations that occur to the vehicle, regardless of who is operating it.

Community Development

When do I need a building permit?

A permit is required for all structural projects including decks, roofing, siding, gutters, windows, basement, kitchen, bathroom remodeling, etc. Call building and zoning for confirmation of requirements.

Does my driveway have to be an improved surface?

Yes, Village ordinance requires all driveways to be improved with asphalt, concrete, or brick pavers.

Do temporary banners require a permit?

Yes, all temporary banners require a permit. There is no charge for this permit.

Human Resources/Risk Management

How do I apply for a job with the Village?

Applications are only accepted for current open positions. Job Application Form (PDF)

May I apply for more than one position with the same application?

Yes, you may. There is no need to fill out a separate application for each position. You may apply for up to 3 positions using the same application.

May I send my resume?

A resumé is not an acceptable form of application. However, you may attach your resumé to your application for the hiring manager to view. Please note that incomplete applications with a resumé attached, will still be considered an incomplete application.

Once I have applied, when will I be contacted?

Once you have applied, your application will be reviewed to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications for the position(s) in which you are applying. If you meet the minimum qualifications, your application will be routed to the hiring manager for review. The hiring manager will contact you directly if you are selected for an interview. Due to the high volume of response we receive for our open positions, the hiring manager will be unable to contact every applicant.

How can I check the status of my application?

You may contact our Human Resources office at 847-526-9600 to check the status of your application.

Why was my application not considered?
Once received, all applications will be reviewed for completeness and to ensure that an applicant meets the minimum qualifications of the position that they are applying for. Incomplete applications along with applicants who do not meet the minimum qualifications will not be forwarded for review. If your application was complete and you did meet the minimum qualifications the hiring manager will contact you directly if you are selected to continue in the hiring process. Due to the volume of applications we receive, not all qualified candidates will be contacted.

Please address all correspondence to the Director of Human Resources at:

Village of Wauconda
101 N Main Street
Wauconda, IL, 60084

Lake Michigan Water

Where does Village water come from?

The Village gets its water from Lake Michigan, the largest freshwater lake in the United States and the fifth biggest lake in the world. Lake Michigan contains 1.2 quadrillion gallons of water. Click here to see the current lake levels of Lake Michigan.

What is the hardness of our water?

 The hardness of our water is about 8 grains per gallon or 137 mg/l as CaCO3. It does not change significantly. 

Do I still need my softener now that we receive Lake Michigan water?

Most residents that we have talked to decided to stop using their softeners. However, the answer to this question depends on why you purchased your softener in the first place. If you purchased it to keep your pipes from plugging up with scale, you no longer need it. Lake Michigan water does not typically clog water pipes. If you purchased it to reduce the amount of scale or lime that builds up on your faucet or around sinks and tubs, you will find this problem greatly diminished with Lake Michigan water, though it will cause a slight scale build up over time that requires cleaning. If you purchased your softener to remove iron from your water, you no longer need it. Lake Michigan contains almost no iron. If you purchased your softener because you want to use less detergent or soap, you will find that with Lake Michigan water, you will use much less detergent and soap than you did with your well water. If you are considering purchasing a water softener, please consider these things. A softener will remove the calcium and magnesium (hardness) from your tap water. These essential minerals will be replaced with sodium (salt) in your tap water. While this does not improve the healthfulness of your tap water, it will cut down slightly on soap and detergent use. A softener does eliminate any scale from building up around your kitchen and bathroom fixtures but most people we have talked to however feel the amount of scale that does form around their faucets is so minimal, the expense of a softener is not worth it. Softeners do increase the corrosivity of water and are often implicated in increased lead and copper levels in homes with these plumbing materials. Finally, if you decide to purchase a softener, please invest the time to flush it out after being away for more than a few days. This reduces the number of nuisance bacteria that are present inside stagnant softener tanks. Click here for more information regarding water softeners on Lake Michigan water.

Why do we have watering restrictions?

It is true that 20% of the world's surface fresh water is contained in the Great Lakes. It may also seem impossible to imagine that humans could actually consume a measurable amount of water in our "fresh water ocean". But massive lakes, like the Aral Sea, the once mighty Colorado River, and underground aquifers have been all but emptied through human use. Fortunately, the United States and Canada have agreements to protect the Great Lakes for future generations while reducing our impact today. In an effort to reduce water loss from the Great Lakes Basin, citizens in the Great Lakes States and Provinces are mandated to practice water conservation. In Illinois, communities that use Lake Michigan water are mandated to restrict water use for irrigation as a conservation measure. Lake Michigan is immense, but only 1% of the water in the Lake is replaceable. The other 99% of the Lake's water has been deposited over more than 10,000 years. Like a bank account containing cash that we might inherit, once we spend the money it will take a long time to replenish the account. Those who proceeded us have left us with a large fresh water "account". Conservation will help us to leave those that follow us with the same fresh water resources.

Why is my water milky looking?

When a glass of water appears milky, let it sit and observe the cloudiness. If the cloudiness rises to the top, the milkiness is composed of air bubbles. Air bubbles in water do not make the water unsafe. They can be removed by flushing the taps in your home. There are a few possible sources of air in water including air entrapped in repaired pipes, malfunctioning water pumps or more commonly, water temperature changes. As wintertime cools Lake Michigan , more air dissolves in the water. After the water is treated it is pumped into pipes that are under pressure. This pressure holds the air in the water, even as the water warms a few degrees on its way to your home. Once the pressure is released at your tap, the air quickly comes out of the water making it appear milky and rising to the top of the glass. This action can also drive some of the chlorine from water, making it seem like the water contains more chlorine than normal. Water from the water heater is most prone to milkiness. Milky water typically occurs in the winter month and is usually a temporary event that occurs erratically . Call your public works department if the cloudiness persists in your taps or settles to the bottom of a glass of water.

Why does my water sometimes smell or taste like a swimming pool?
Swimming pools, like all municipally treated tap water, are treated with chlorine. Although we add much less chlorine to our tap water than what is used in a pool, there are times when chlorine is apparent to some individuals. We add chlorine to our water for a few reasons. First, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the U.S. EPA require that all water plants add chlorine to the water, no matter how clean we get the water in the water plant. Second, we add chlorine to the water to protect it as it travels through water pipes and out of the faucet in your home. Be assured, we add the minimum amount of chlorine possible to our water to assure it is always safe to drink but also pleasing to drink . Click here for more information regarding chlorine in drinking water.
Is our tap water safe?
Yes. Your water comes from a state-of-the-art water treatment facility that went into operation in 1992. Since the day operation began, no water quality standard of any kind has been exceeded. The water supplied to your Village meets every State and Federal regulation. If our water ever did exceed a standard you would be notified. Even if we detected any compound of concern in our water at any concentration, you would be notified at the vary least on an annual basis in the Water Quality Report mailed directly to every person paying a water bill. If you are ever in doubt or desire to review our water quality records, click here or please call us at 847-295-7788 to set up a time.
Should I buy bottled water?
In general and on a routine basis, no. There are no health benefits to drinking bottled water compared to your tap water. Your water is tested for more kinds of bacteria and contaminants and is tested much more often than bottled water. Your tap water is held to higher standards than bottled water. Our doors and water quality records are always open for your critical review. Your treatment plant uses the same water treatment technology available to bottled water producers. And, our water is much less expensive. Bottled water does offer advantages to those who prefer the taste of a specific kind of water, to people on the go who don’t have time or forget to fill a sports bottle with tap water, and in emergency situations. Click here for even more information regarding tap water vs. bottled water.
Do I need a reverse osmosis "RO" unit?
Properly and routinely maintained, NSF/UL certified RO units are effective tools for removing some compounds from water. However, there are no compounds in the water CLCJAWA wholesales to each community that exceed the Illinois EPA or federal EPA regulatory standards. RO units lack disinfectant in their reservoir tanks, support nuisance bacterial growth in their carbon filters, and waste more water than they produce. An RO unit can remove lead from your water if lead has been detected in your service line or home plumbing. When selecting an RO unit, make sure it is certified by NSF or UL to address your concern and carefully follow the manufacturers maintenance recommendations to avoid harming water quality.
Do I need a water filter?
Properly and routinely maintained, NSF/UL certified filtration units are effective tools for removing some compounds from water. However, consider that the water you receive from your tap has already been treated with ozone oxidation, granular activated carbon filtration, fine sand filtration, ultra-violet light treatment and chlorine disinfection. The water produced by CLCJAWA is more than five times clearer than required by the Environmental Protection Agency and there are no compounds in the water CLCJAWA wholesales to each community that exceed the Illinois EPA or federal EPA regulatory standards. Like RO units, water filters can also remove lead from your water if lead has been detected in your service line or home plumbing. When selecting a filtration unit, make sure it is certified by NSF or UL to address your concern and carefully follow the manufacturers maintenance recommendations to avoid harming water quality. If you are sensitive to chlorine in your water, a carbon filter will remove it. Carbon filters must be consistently maintained to minimize bacteriological contamination of your water. Most folks sensitive to the chlorine will fill a pitcher with tap water and place it in the refrigerator over night. Usually by the next day, the chlorine will have evaporated out of the water. If your immune system is compromised in any way, ask your doctor about any precautions you should take when drinking bottled or tap water. 
Does our water contain fluoride?
Yes. In Illinois, the Department of Public Health requires that we add fluoride to our water to provide children with one of the building blocks needed for strong teeth. At CLCJAWA, we only add what is required, no less and no more. Evanston was the first community to add fluoride to drinking water in 1947. Fluoride in drinking water is primarily absorbed into the blood stream and deposited to the teeth of children up to the age of about 8. Fluoride may be removed from water with a reverse osmosis "RO" unit certified by NSF or UL for its removal. For more information regarding fluoride in the drinking water, click here.
Does my water contain lead?

The water that CLCJAWA delivers to each community contains no detectable lead. Lead in tap water typically comes from the service pipe that enters a building or the plumbing within the building. Newer homes typically do not have lead service pipes or lead containing plumbing. Because homeowners, typically own the service pipe leading into their building and the plumbing within it, they should consult with a licensed plumber and/or consult with their public works department if they are concerned. The US EPA also offers guidance to reduce lead in your water here. You may also wish to have your water tested for lead by a lab like the Lake County Health Department Environmental Lab (847-377-8017).

CLCJAWA does add a drinking water certified corrosion inhibitor called ortho-phosphate, to the water. This common drinking water and food ingredient binds with metals like lead, to keep them from corroding and getting into your water from your plumbing. This compound reduces lead in many homes but does not remove it completely from all homes or to levels considered safe in some homes. Because your community is responsible for lead compliance, contact them for more information, click here to review water results for your community, or refer to your annual Consumer Confidence Water Report which can be found at your Village website. If lead is detected in your home's water, an RO unit or filter can effectively remove it. See number 8 and 9 above for more information and click here for even more information regarding lead and drinking water.

What is the stuff in my hot water?
Water heaters can have a big impact on water quality. That is one reason why you should not drink hot tap water. As water heaters age, the components in the water heater tank and the tank itself breaks down. You may find white flakes in your faucet screens. These are usually present when the dip tube (a plastic pipe in your water heater) starts to flake apart. You may see a clear or green gel like substance if you draw a bath of hot water. This is caused from the anode rod, found in all water heaters, breaking down. And your hot water may smell odd. This too is caused by the chemical reaction between the anode rod and the water or by bacteria in the water heater. If any of these conditions are of concern, call a plumber to investigate the problem.
What is the pink stuff growing in and around my sink/tub/washer, etc.?
Pink, black, red, brown, orange, and salmon colored "stains" often appear in areas that are frequently wet. These "stains" are not from the water, but are caused by airborne mold, mildew, and bacteria. Collectively we call these things biological growths. Biological growth occurs despite frequent scrubbing and disinfection and is very frustrating. It may be very troublesome one year and disappear the next. It may reappear weeks after scrubbing or months later. It is typically worst during the summer time. The common factors that lead to these growths are moisture, nutrients, and the nature of the surface. Areas that are dry all the time do not support biological growth. Surfaces that are exposed to soap, food, body oils, or human wastes provide sufficient nutrients for biological growth - even if the surface looks clean. Surfaces that are porous like caulk, grout, plastic, paint, etc. retain moisture, resist cleaning, and provide nutrients for biological growth. The best way to minimize biological growth is to ventilate and dry wet areas as quickly as possible. The second best way is through frequent cleaning. Click here for even more information regarding pink staining.
Why is there a dark ring in my toilet bowl?
The water produced at CLCJAWA does not stain toilet bowls. The commonly observed ring in toilet bowls that occurs at the air-water interface is due to biological growth. The growth may not appear for years and then appear suddenly. When the toilet is used, human wastes are not completely removed and bacteria linger and flourish. These bacteria prefer a wet but not totally submerged environment. Above the water line there are few nutrients and too much air. Below the water line there are plenty of nutrients but less air. At the water line conditions are nearly ideal for biological growth. Newer toilets that consume less water may be contributing to inefficient waste removal from the bowl. The best approach to minimizing this nuisance is: 1.) Make sure the toilet is flushed after each use, 2.) Make sure the flush is complete and the toilet completely evacuates visible waste and 3.) Increase cleaning frequency using appropriate toilet bowl cleanser. Click here for more information.
Why is the water appear blue/green when I fill my white tub?
The water produced at CLCJAWA is colorless. A bluish or greenish tint in your bathtub water is typically due to the lighting used in your bathroom. When light shines on water, the water absorbs some colors and reflects others. The deeper the water, the more apparent the color. Different types of light bulbs can make the water appear different colors because each bulb produces different types of light. A less likely cause of blue colored water is corrosion of the copper plumbing in your home. Copper plumbing can corrode if stray current from your home's electrical system passes through it. Historically, plumbing systems were used to ground a home's electrical system. In this scenario the blue or green color may be accompanied by blue-green particles in the water or in the ice cubes produced by an ice maker. Finally, blue or green colored water could be caused by the corrosion of the anode rod in your home's water heater. Often times this anode rod is composed of aluminum that slowly dissolves, sometimes forming a green gelatinous material. This may be especially apparent when draining the water heater.
I just saw a news story that implies our water is not safe, is it?
 Various organizations will occasionally "reveal the truth" about the nation's drinking water. Many times, these organizations will create web sites that supposedly show the water quality in specific communities. Unfortunately, the information in these websites is often incorrect or misleading. In one recent case (12/2009) the organization gained national exposure on the evening news and in print. When visiting their site, the information presented about our water was incorrect. Interestingly, the site also contained a link to "donate now" and to water filter vendors. The best place to find out about your tap water is to call, email, or visit your water plant. At CLCJAWA, you may also find up-to-date water quality information on this web site where we disclose all test results. You may also refer to the Consumer Confidence Report published every spring by your community. This federally mandated report also discloses the presence of regulated compounds in your water. Finally, if you prefer a third-party water quality review, visit the Illinois EPA web site called Drinking Water Watch. Here you may review the water quality database for any water supply in Illinois including your Village and CLCJAWA.
What is in our water?
Unlike many utilities and most water bottlers, CLCJAWA tests for hundreds more compounds than required. For a complete listing of compounds detected in our water click here. If you have a concern about a specific compound not on the list, please contact us.
How is the microbiology of our water tested?
Our water is tested as it comes in to the treatment plant, after each treatment step, as the water leaves the water treatment plant, at the mid-point of our water distribution system and at the point of delivery to each community we serve. Additionally, each community monitors the water throughout their delivery system. Samples are analyzed in some locations every four hours and in others, every two weeks. Microbiological testing includes analysis for Total Coliform, E. coli and heterotrophic bacteria (also called standard plate count). We have also monitored the Lake Michigan water entering the treatment plant for Cryptosporidium and Giardia, neither of which have ever been detected in our source water.
I am getting a rash after showering or bathing, is my tap water the cause?
Rashes that occur after bathing or showering may be caused by an allergic reaction to soap, shampoo, bubble bath, or any other product. Showering and bathing may also dry out the skin, especially in the dry winter months. Water, especially warm water, can remove natural oils from our skin and leave it feeling dried out leading to rashes in some individuals. The use of moisturizing skin lotion often brings relief to individuals suffering from dry skin. Concerns about dry skin and rashes require a diagnosis and are best addressed by your physician.

Outdoor Water Usage/Conservation

Are there currently any water restrictions?

There are currently no water restrictions.

What are the typical sprinkling ban/water conservation rules?
A permanent outdoor water use conservation period is in effect from June 1st through September 15th each year. This conservation measure permits watering at any time of the day on an alternating daily basis. Street addresses ending with even-numbers are permitted to use outside water at any time on even numbered calendar days and street addresses ending in odd-numbers will be allowed to use outdoor water at any time on odd numbered calendar days.

Should an emergency water condition arise, an emergency conservation measure would go into effect based on an even-odd street address system that would limit outdoor water use to the hours of 6 a.m. to 9 a.m. and from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. daily. Signs in your community will change to reflect the emergency conservation measure should it need to be implemented. You will also be notified through our Village-wide telephone notification system.

In addition, there is a provision in the water conservation ordinance for watering new landscape plantings, which requires you to contact Utility Billing at 847-526-9604.
Why does the Village sometimes open and flow fire hydrants?
The Village maintains over 950 hydrants throughout the Village. One of the best ways to ensure that hydrants are functioning properly is to test or flush them. The Water Division flushes hydrants in the spring to ensure that they are functioning properly.

The procedure for testing hydrants involves installing a gauge and then opening 1 of the side ports of the hydrant and allowing the water to flow wide open for approximately 1 minute. During testing, Water Division employees measure the flow velocity, static pressure, flow pressure and pito flow. For the hydrant to operate properly, crews check for ease of opening and closing, ensure that water flow stops completely when the hydrant is shut down, and confirms that any water remaining in the barrel drains down below ground level into surrounding soil.

If a hydrant does not pass this test, it must be repaired. Hard turning or inoperable fire hydrants can be a serious problem for the Fire District during emergency situations and any leaks within the hydrant can be a source of water loss and a major cause for hydrant freeze-up during the winter months.

Unfortunately, when a hydrant or hydrants are flushed in your area, your water may become discolored. Residents are advised to run water for a few minutes before use. This is especially important to do before doing laundry.
What do I need to do to install a lawn sprinkler system?
A permit is required to install, repair, replace, or relocate any lawn sprinkler system. Only a contractor possessing an irrigation registration card (issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health) is permitted to work on a lawn irrigation system.

To apply for the permit, complete the permit application (at the Building and Zoning Department), submit the permit fee of $100 and a plat of survey that indicates the location of the irrigation. No portion of the sprinkler system may be installed in a public right-of way (parkway).

A licensed plumber is required to install the backflow device on the service line for the irrigation system. An RPZ backflow preventer is required on the irrigation system. A separate water meter may be installed at the owner’s request. The backflow device must be certified annually before May 31st. Contact Utility Billing at 847-526-9604 for more information.

Water Quality

Where can I get information on the quality of my water?

The Village sends a Water Quality Report to all residents each year. 2013 Water Report (PDF)

My cold water is cloudy or dirty. What is going on?

Occasionally open fire hydrants can cause rust and/or scale to break free from inside the pipes and become suspended in the water. Water main repair or construction can also cause this condition. If this condition appears at your residence, allow the cold water tap to run until the water appears clear. If the condition persists, please contact the Water Division at 847-526-9610.

If my water has a funny taste or smell what can I do about it?

If your water has a chlorine taste or smell, the simplest way to remove it is to fill a pitcher with cold tap water and leave it uncovered in the refrigerator. The chlorine content will dissipate. If your water has an egg smell, and is only present while using the hot water, the smell may be coming from your water heater. Have the heater checked for problems. If you have other problems with water quality, please contact the Water Division at 847-526-9610.

I heard contaminants have been found in the water. Is my water safe to drink?

A source water assessment for our supply was completed by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA). The IEPA determined that the source water was not susceptible to contamination. This determination was based upon a number of criteria including a 1993 well site survey, reviews of water sample analyses and available hydrogeologic data on the wells. A copy of this source water assessment is available at the Public Works facility at 302 Slocum Lake Road.

What about vinyl chloride?

Prior to the Village receiving Lake Michigan water as our drinking water source, vinyl chloride has(d) been detected in some private homeowner wells in our area.  Vinyl chloride has never been detected in any of the Village owned wells serving our public water supply.  The Village may utilize well water supply as an emergency backup resource in the event of a service interruption with CLCJAWA.

How much water does an average person use each day?

An average person uses 123 gallons of water daily. Typical water use for showers is 15-30 gallons, brushing teeth (with water running) 1-2 gallons, shaving (with water running) 10-15 gallons, washing dishes by hand 20 gallons, washing dishes in a dishwasher 9-12 gallons, flushing toilet 1-5 gallons.

Water Rates & Billing

How do I start a new account for water/sewer service?

To find out the steps you need to take in order to step a new account for water/sewer please view our new accounts page. New Account

What should I do if I need to make a change to the billing information for my water/sewer account?
To make a change to your billing information, please contact Utility Billing at 847-526-9604 or send an email to waterbilling@wauconda-il.gov.

Utility Billing Contact Information
What are the water and sewer rates for the Village of Wauconda?

Find out the water and sewer rates for seniors, outside of corporate limits and inside limits. Water and Sewer Rates

How do I pay my bill?
There are 5 options to pay your water and sewer bill, visit the payment options page to find the list and details about the different payment options.

Payment Options
Are there any discounts offered on water and sewer service?

If you are 65 years of age or older, you are eligible for a 10% discount on the minimum rate for the 1st 2,000 gallons of water used every billing period. To sign up, please stop by the Village Hall at 101 North Main Street, with a picture I.D. identifying your birth date to sign you up.

What should I do if my bill seems too high?
First, check for leaks in your home. An easy way to check for leaks is to read your meter before and after a period of zero water use (when you will either be away or before going to bed). The reading should be taken from left to right. If the reading has changed and you have not deliberately used any water, there is a leak somewhere in the home.

Common areas to check for leaks are toilets, sinks, water softeners, humidifiers and sprinkler systems. If you are unsure of how to repair a leak, contact a licensed plumber. Some leaks can be significant and will result in a higher water bill. It is recommended that residents address leaks as soon as they are found to avoid paying for water they are not intentionally using. Leaky fixtures can result in water bills being hundreds of dollars over the normal bill.
How do I arrange to have my water shut off in the event of an emergency?

For emergency water shut off on a weekday between the hours of 7 a.m. and 3:30 p.m., contact the Public Works Department at 847 526-9610. If you cannot get through immediately, or if you are calling after hours, please contact the Police Department non-emergency phone number at 847 526-2421, they will dispatch Water Division personnel. After hours/weekend calls will incur a $125 fee. This fee includes the cost to turn the water back on.

How do I arrange to have my water shut off for the winter season or for other planned work?

The Water Division is available to temporarily shut-off residential water service in order to protect your property in your absence. The incoming water will be shut off at the property line and you may also request the removal of your inside water meter. The minimum water bill for disconnected services will be suspended until water service is restored. Please call the Water Division at 847-526-9610 for more information. Village ordinance prohibits homeowners from turning water on or off to a residence.