Water Services
Buffalo Grove is dedicated to protecting the public water supply from contamination by toxic substances.
If you have recently purchased a home, you may notice a device like the photo below mounted on the side of your house. This is the backflow device for your irrigation system. This device is important because it protects the public water supply from contamination. This device requires yearly testing by a cross connection control inspector.
This is an example of an RPZ type backflow device, mounted on the side of a single family home. The device itself is highlighted in red.
If you have recently purchased a home, you may notice a device like the photo below mounted on the side of your house. This is the backflow device for your irrigation system. This device is important because it protects the public water supply from contamination. This device requires yearly testing by a cross connection control inspector.
This is an example of an RPZ type backflow device, mounted on the side of a single family home. The device itself is highlighted in red.
Water Customer Contact Information:
- Phone: 888-966-6050
- Email: support@backflow.com
- Fax: 888-414-4990
Testing Company/Tester Contact Information:
- Phone:800-414-4990
- Email: bsionline@backflow.com
- Fax: 888-414-4990
You have questions, we have answers:
Yes. Annual testing makes sure the device is in working condition. Working devices keep your family and the community safe from contamination.
You may reference Buffalo Grove Municipal Code 13.05.110 A.2 for further information.
You may reference Buffalo Grove Municipal Code 13.05.110 A.2 for further information.
The device stops the flow of non-potable water from a lawn or fire sprinkler system into a building. It is safest to keep non-potable water out of homes, businesses, and the public water supply.
You can review the paperwork attached to the device. It will list the last inspector in the paperwork. You can also search for certified plumbers, Cross Connection Control Inspectors (CCCI) or "RPZ" inspectors. The inspectors receive certification through the state of Illinois. Most plumbing companies will have a certified inspector on staff.
No you do not need a test. But you do need to file an application for a temporary waiver of testing. To request an application, email Public Works and we will send you a copy. There is a $25 processing fee and verification of proper disconnection.
Yes, but only Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) type devices are acceptable for lawn irrigation systems. If you have any other type device it cannot pass the inspection.
You can reference Illinois Plumbing Code Section 890.1140 for more information.
You can reference Illinois Plumbing Code Section 890.1140 for more information.
No. Because these devices connect to the public water supply, State Code does not allow it. Non compliant devices can impact the health and safety of your family and your neighbors.
You can find more information at Illinois Plumbing Code Section 890.110.
You can find more information at Illinois Plumbing Code Section 890.110.
Boil Orders
During the day, Public Works staff will go door-to-door to issue boil order notification. If a customer is not home, a RED door tag will be left on the front door. An additional tag will be left near the garage or other conspicuous location in case a home owner does not normally enter through their front door.
Sometimes, a boil issue needs to be issued overnight. The Village does not have the ability to target specific addresses via phone or email contact. In the precautionary scenario above, Public Works will not ring door bells in the late evening or overnight hours, but will simply hang door tags for the residents to see in the morning. If the water is ever confirmed to be contaminated, much more notification will take place including news and media outlets, reverse-911 calls, and other methods. But for a precautionary boil order with no confirmed contamination, only the door tags will be hung overnight.
You have questions, we have answers:
It means the water that comes out of the tap should not be used for drinking, brushing your teeth, cooking, or washing fruits and vegetables. You should use only bottled water or water that has been boiled for five minutes for these activities.
The affected tap water should be brought to a rolling boil for 5 minutes before being used.
During a precautionary boil order, only bottled water or water that has been boiled for 5 minutes should be consumed or used to wash dishes, wash fruits/vegetables, make ice cubes or brush teeth.
Each boil order situation is different, making it impossible to predict how long the boil order will remain in effect. It will not be lifted until testing shows that the water meets public health standards. However, in general, a routine boil order and verification testing window will take between 24 and 48 hours to complete. Once a boil order has been lifted, Public Works will go door-to-door again and issue GREEN tags to notify residents that the water has tested safe and the boil order is no longer in effect.
If a precautionary boil order was issued via RED tag, and a GREEN tag has been issued to clear it, then no. The water tested safe and no contamination is known to have occurred. If the water ever tests positive for microbiological contamination, more instructions will be issued at that time.
It is recommended that bottled water or water boiled for 5 minutes should be used for hand washing. When this is not practical, it is recommended that if tap water must be used to wash and rinse, it should be followed up with the use of a hand sanitizer. Consuming unsafe water is the most likely way to become ill. Using extra precautions with hand washing ensures that hands are clean for eating.
Yes, it is safe to shower or bathe in the water. The primary concern is that the water not be consumed. Instruct children not to put the water in their mouth when they are bathing. When bathing infants, extra precaution should be taken including the use of bottled water or water that has been boiled for 5 minutes and cooled for use.
Use bottled water or water that has been boiled for 5 minutes to wash and rinse dishes. Home dishwashers cannot be assured to completely kill organisms that may be in the water.
Yes, you may continue to use the water to wash clothes. The major concern is consuming the water.
Animals generally are not affected in the same way as people by contaminants in the water. An individual may give their pet bottled water or water that has been boiled for 5 minutes and cooled if they choose. Fish tanks should not be affected.
Additional Resources:
Getting Water to your Home
Buffalo Grove owns and maintains the water mains that distribute water to your home. Buffalo Grove also owns the meter that reads the water usage. In any instance where these fail, the Water Section will make the necessary repairs.
At the water main, there is a tap for the resident’s private service line. A device called a corporation stop (corp) connects the copper service line to the buffalo box (bbox). The copper service line then travels from the bbox to the water meter located in the house. The service line then connects to internal plumbing.
It is the homeowner’s responsibility for maintenance and repairs to the service line. This includes the connection to the water main, the bbox, and any leaks. Buffalo Grove will make repairs to any faulty water meters. The Water Section has the ability to detect the location of a leak. This could help determine if the leak is on the Village water main or private service.
Why is hydrant Flushing done?
- Reduce water age in pipes
- Improve Disinfectant residual concentrations
- Cleans Pipes
- Prevents Taste and color issues
- Makes sure hydrants operate effectively
- System wide check of flows and pressures
When will hydrants on my street be flushed?
Learn more using our interactive locater, click on the search bar (top right corner) and type in your address.
The different colored dots on the map will indicate whether or not the flushing is still planned or has been completed.
Water Quality
PERFLUOROALKYLS (PFAS) AND WATER
Please click here for a letter to all Buffalo Grove Water Customers in regards to the Village's test results and requirements as they pertain to perfluoroalkyls. Buffalo Grove sources its water from the Northwest Water Commission which purchases treated water from the City of Evanston. If you want to know more about these chemicals and their presence in drinking water, please see this attached letter from Evanston’s Water Production Bureau Chief. The City of Evanston also created the following page which summarizes PFAS sampling results HERE.
WATER QUALITY REPORT (CONSUMER CONFIDENCE REPORT)
The Consumer Confidence Report, also known as the Water Quality Report, is prepared and distributed annually by all public water systems to their customers as mandated per amendments to the Safe Drinking Water Act. The report is compiled by July 1 for the previous Year.
Water Conservation and Leak Detection
Water Conservation and Leak Detection
Frequently Asked Questions
Most high water bills are due to leaks in plumbing fixtures like humidifiers, faucets, and toilets. The best method for determining whether or not a leak exists is to take actual water meter readings. This method checks the entire internal plumbing system for any water usage.
- Take a water meter reading just before going to bed or when no one will use any water for several hours. Take another meter reading in the morning before any water is used, or after a few hours of non-usage. In theory, the two readings should be the same. If they are not, and you cannot account for use by a humidifier, ice cube maker, toilet flush, or water softener, you have a leak and further investigation is recommended.
- A great place to start is with toilets; in Buffalo Grove 90% of leaks are due to toilets, even if you can’t always hear anything. There are many excellent step-by-step videos of toilet leak detection on the internet for your reference. If you would like to try and check yourself, follow the 3 simple steps below for the most common issues found in Buffalo Grove:
- Open the tank on the back and listen and look for moving water. There should be no moving water once the tank is filled.
- Check that the water is 1” below the overflow tube.
- Check that the flapper is not leaking (dye test with plumber’s dye or food coloring).
- Parts and basic how-to knowledge can be found at your local hardware store.
- Faucets can also be the source of water leaks in the house causing high water bills. If you are uncomfortable or uncertain on how to detect a leak please consult a professional plumber.
- From May 15th until September 15th sprinkling is prohibited from noon to 6 p.m.
- Odd number houses can water on odd days
- Even numbered houses on even days
- Seed and sod permits will be available for residences over seeding or placing sod to allow them to water on all days following the permit instructions.
Watering in the early a.m. is best as it saturates the soil allowing the plants to effectively absorb the water before it evaporates into the air.
Connecting my Sump Pump to the Storm Sewer
If you are having drainage or flooding problems, there may be a better way!
If you are not connected to the Village storm sewer, this may be the option for you.
1) Review the sump pump connection handout.
2) Email Jon Nero with your address so he can review the utility maps to see if there is an inlet nearby.
3) Register for a BS& A online account.
Anyone interested in applying for a sump pump connection permit must be registered.
If you are not connected to the Village storm sewer, this may be the option for you.
1) Review the sump pump connection handout.
2) Email Jon Nero with your address so he can review the utility maps to see if there is an inlet nearby.
3) Register for a BS& A online account.
Anyone interested in applying for a sump pump connection permit must be registered.
CONTRACTORS ONLY: Please fill out the Contractor Registration Application and email to permits @vbg.org. You will not be able to apply for a permit with contractor registration.
-Working more than 5' from the foundation will require a sewer contractor registration for sump pump connections.
-The annual Contractor Registration fee is $100.00.
Registering for a BS&A online account will allow you to apply, track, and request an inspection online. You will be able to track this permit along with any other permits you have through the Building Department.