Peoria Heights Water Department

4901 N Prospect Rd
Peoria Heights, IL
61616

8am - 5pm Mon-Fri

Phone (309) 686-2375 ext. #1

For After Hours Emergency

Phone (309) 673-4521

Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement Plan

Below are the Lead service Line Inventory and the Lead Service Line Replacement Plan that were submitted to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. A public comment period is open from April 16, 2024 through May 3, 2024 5:00pm. Comments should be made in writing to:

Attn: Village Clerk 4901 N Prospect Rd, Peoria Heights, IL 61616.

Any written public comments received during this public comment period will be read into record at the Village Board Meeting on Tuesday, May 7 at 5:30pm.

Lead Service Line Inventory

click here for the Lead Service Line Inventory PDF

Lead Service Line Replacement Plan

click here for the Lead Service Line Replacement Plan PDF

Water Billing & Collection

Peoria Heights Waterworks bills for water to the nearest gallon. Bills are calculated with a system of tiered rates. The rates for December 1, 2023 through November 30, 2024 are as follows:

Water Minimum

Resident Step rate up to 6,000 gal/$84.02 - per quarter

Business Step rate up to 3,000 gal/$37.40 - per month

The Infrastructure Maintenance Fee is a $5 monthly fee to help maintain and repair water infrastructure. It is listed on the water bill as INF.

The Waste Disposal Fee, listed on the water bill as WST, is a $10 monthly fee for waste disposal services. Please see the Waste Disposal page of this website for more information.

Residential water bills are issued quarterly and are due on the 10th of the month after issued. Bills that are delinquent after the 10th of the month are assessed a late payment penalty of 10% on the amount due for water usage. A shut-off notice is sent indicating that the service will be terminated if the balance is not paid in full. A lien may also be placed on the property in accordance with Village ordinance.

Business water bills are issued monthly and are also due on the 10th of the month after issued with a 10% penalty assessed on the amount due for water usage after that date.

The average bill is difficult to estimate because water consumption habits vary greatly from household to household. If you have any questions pertaining to your bill or usage, please call the water office at 309-686-2375.

New Water Service

After purchasing a property, please provide proof of ownership (deed, transfer declaration, etc) as well as a $50 water service deposit. Water accounts must be in the property owner’s name and are billed to the address that taxes are mailed to. If elected, bills statements can be received by email by selecting the paperless option through Invoice Cloud. The owner is responsible for maintaining the email address(es) associated with their account.

click here for contract

Payment

Payment can be made by mail, drop-box, walk-ins, online (by selecting the Pay Water Bill button above), or by calling 855-771-2799.

Customer Concerns

If you’re experiencing problems with your water service, please contact the Peoria Heights Water office for help from our staff identifying the cause of the problem.

Staff can be reached at 309-686-2375 or by emailing water@peoriaheights.org.

For more immediate answers, please see our frequently asked questions below.

Water Reports

We are pleased to report that our drinking water is safe and meets or exceeds Federal and State requirements.

Setting Up Service

How do I set up service?

Village ordinance requires water to be in the property owner’s name. Before the closing date, contact the Water office so we can take a meter read. After you’ve closed on the property, you’ll need to provide the Water office with proof of ownership, sign a contract, and pay a $50.00 deposit by check or cash. If you’re not sure which document you need, please bring your closing paperwork with you, and our staff will help. The Water office will notify Greater Peoria Sanitary District that you have taken ownership of the property.

Why do I have to pay a deposit and will I get it back?

The service deposit is applied towards the final bill. Since we bill after the fact, your service deposit will reduce the amount owed on the final bill. This reduces overhead, collections, and write-offs which keeps water rates lower. Any amount remaining after the final balance is paid is refunded to the property owner.

Billing and Payments

Why don’t you bill every month?

Peoria Heights Water bills quarterly in order to keep our water rates low. It reduces overhead, personnel, and office costs. We are aware that this can create difficulties for our residents, and we’re happy to work with you if you contact us.

How are water rates set?

The rates are set by ordinance and approved by the Board of Trustees after examining projected revenues, expenses, and necessary capital projects during the life of the water rate ordinance. Current water rates were set by Ordinance 2019-1613 which established water rates for December 1, 2019 – November 30, 2024. These rates, along with reserves that have been saved for these projects, will provide funding for normal operating costs and allow us to make $1.78 million in improvements to the water system.

Why do I have to pay a bill if I’m not using water?

Peoria Heights Water charges a minimum bill, regardless of use, because it has to maintain the water system, treat water, and continue to provide access to water even when a resident isn’t using the service. Charging a minimum allows us to perform this work and keep it available to our residents.

How can I pay my bill?

Payments can be made by cash, check, debit card or credit card at the water office in Village Hall during regular business hours. Additionally, there is a drop box located between the parking lot and Glen Ave for after-hours payments. Please do not deposit cash in the drop box. Mailed payments are opened and applied as received. To sign up for automatic payments and for directions to pay online, please see the next question. Pay by phone 24/7 by calling 855-771-2799. You will need the book # and account # in order to pay by phone.

How do I pay my bill online?

To pay your water bill online, click on the “Pay Water Bill” button in the upper right-hand corner of our website. Create a username and password to access the online account, or select “Click here to make a guest payment” to connect directly to the Invoice Cloud payment portal. You will need your book #, account #, and the last name or business name on the account. Book and account numbers are printed on your water bill. Once you’re connected with Invoice Cloud payments, you can choose to sign up for automatic payments and/or link multiple accounts together.

Peoria Heights Water does not recommend using third party processors, such as Doxo, to pay your water bill. Third party processors are not affiliated with Peoria Heights Water, and payments processed by these companies can take up to three additional weeks to reach Peoria Heights Water. We cannot access information about payments made through third party processors and are unable to help with lost or stolen payments made through these companies. Because of the increased processing time, payments made through these types of companies may be subject to late fees.

My water was shut off for nonpayment. When can I get it back on?

Water shut off for nonpayment will remain off until the delinquent balance is paid in full. If you were shut off for nonpayment to Greater Peoria Sanitary District, you must pay that balance to them as well as any delinquent balance owed to Peoria Heights Water. If payment is submitted before 2:00 pm on a weekday, your water will typically be turned

back on before 3:30 pm that day. If payment is submitted more than 5 business days after water was shut off, we require an appointment, with an adult present, to turn the water back on. We try to schedule these appointments on the same day, but it’s dependent on the time payment is received and appointment availability. In most cases, water is restored within 24 hours of payment.

My water bill seems high. What should I do?

This can have a lot of different answers so we encourage residents who are concerned about the amount of their water bill to contact us directly. When you call, we’ll review your usage history with you to determine if the current bill is within your normal use range. We’ll also ask you to think if there have been changes in your household in the last three months that might have affected your usage. Changes would include things like additional guests or residents in the house, lawn or garden watering, pool use, or a new appliance. If there’s an increase in use without a reasonable explanation, we’ll begin the process of helping you determine if you might have a leak. For more information on what to do if you think you have a leak, please see the section covering leaks.

Water Problems

Why do I have low water pressure?

Poor water pressure can be caused by several things: clogged pipes or fixtures, a water main break, fire hydrant use, a malfunctioning water softener or heater, or frozen pipes. Test multiple fixtures, including the outdoor spigot, to determine if the issue is in one place or all over the house. If one part of the house has low pressure, contact a plumber as you probably have a clogged pipe. If the whole house is affected by low water pressure, contact the Water office for more assistance.

Why do I have high water pressure?

Normal residential water pressure should be between 55-65 pounds per square inch (psi). Due to the bluff, the water system below the hill is under a lot of pressure. Peoria Heights Water strongly recommends each residence below the hill has a pressure reducing valve. If you experience knocking pipes below the hills, contact a plumber to inspect your pressure reducing valve.

How do I keep my pipes from freezing?

During cold weather, pipes that run through exterior walls or that don’t have enough insulation can freeze. Leave a small stream of cold water running. It’s also a good idea to keep cabinet doors open so warm air can circulate. Houses should be heated to at least 55°F. Crawl spaces or unheated areas may benefit from using heat tape. If your pipes are frozen, turn off the water at the meter and contact a plumber as frozen pipes may have burst and could leak when thawing.

Why does my water look brown / yellow?

Water discoloration is the result of mineral and sediment build up. Naturally occurring iron and manganese in the water aquifer combine with aging water mains and older interior plumbing to cause brown / yellow looking water. It’s not harmful even though it looks unappealing. Most of the time it can be cleared out by running cold water for 5-10 minutes as it’s usually just some sediment that was knocked loose. If the problem persists, contact the Water office for help. We’ll need to know if it’s in one location and if hot or cold water are affected. The source of the discoloration can range from a water main break to a recently opened fire hydrant in your neighborhood to a malfunctioning water heater or aging plumbing. Public Works may need to clear the water system in your area, or you might have an internal problem that needs a plumber so please contact us to help you determine the source of the discoloration. 


Why does my water look cloudy / white?

Cloudy, white water is usually caused by air bubbles in the water. It frequently happens when it is cold outside and the pressure within the water system is higher. The bubbles in the water will dissipate quickly if the water is left to settle.

Why does my water smell like rotten eggs / sulfur?

A rotten egg smell is caused by bacterial growth. Pour a glass of water and move it to another room. If the water still smells, contact a plumber to check your water heater. If not, the smell is likely coming from the drain, fixture, or plumbing leading to that faucet. Most often, the smell is coming from the drain, but if the smell is present at multiple faucets the cause could be somewhere in the plumbing system or service line.

Why does my water smell like chlorine?

The EPA requires public water systems to add chlorine to disinfect the water supply with the recommended chlorine levels being no higher than 4mg/L. Peoria Heights typically has chlorine levels between 0.2 – 0.4mg/L. A variety of factors, such as weather, can affect the chlorine levels. If you notice a chlorine smell to the water, and it hasn’t been used for several hours, excess chlorine might have built up in your pipes. Running the water for a minute will help flush the smell from your system. You can also try installing a carbon filter or filling a pitcher and letting it sit.

What is the hardness or pH of Peoria Heights Water? Do I need a water softener?

The water from the Sankoty aquifer is naturally hard water. The pH level is 7-7.5. Peoria Heights water has 23 grains hardness or 400 ppm. Peoria Heights Water recommends residents use a water filtration or softener systems to remove iron and prolong the life of appliances.

Why is there an oily film on my coffee?

An oily film can form on coffee made with tap water. Calcium bonds with the oils in warm coffees and teas and produces a film on top of the liquid. Using bottled water or a water softener would remove the calcium from the water and eliminate the oily film.

Leaks

How do I know if I have a leak?

If you think you have a leak, check your meter. Wait until no one is using any water then use a bright light to activate the display on your meter. If the meter read is changing, then water is flowing through your meter, and you do have a leak. If the display remains stationary, you don’t have a leak inside your house. If you think you have a service line leak, contact the Water office to turn water off at the exterior shut off valve.

What should I do if there’s a leak in my house?

If there’s a leak in your house, you should contact a licensed and insured plumber to fix the problem. It helps if you’re able to locate the leak first, but the source might not always be obvious. Dripping faucets are common and easy to identify. Toilets, water heaters, and water softeners are some other common sources of leaks.

Toilets: To identify a leaking toilet, you can place food coloring in the back of the tank. Leave the toilet untouched for 15-30 minutes. If any color has leaked into the bowl after the resting period, the seal on the toilet needs to be replaced. The Water office has dye tablets and instructions available upon request.

Water Heaters: If there’s water near or under your water heater, there could be a problem with your water heater. Check the drain valve and the pressure release valve to see if the water is coming from there. If there’s no water or moisture on the valves, look along the top and body of the water heater to see if water is traveling down the outside before pooling on the floor. If you have a floor drain near your water heater, you will need to carefully check the area as a water leak from your water heater will not be as obvious.

Water Softeners: Finding a leak in a water softener can be more difficult. Water softeners are designed to flush themselves periodically, and a malfunctioning water softener can get stuck in a loop of refilling and flushing its water supply. If this is happening, it can be hard to notice as it’s not constant like some of the other leaks.

Why won’t Peoria Heights Water repair the leak in my yard?

The service lines that carry water from the water main to the interior of the house belong to the homeowner. The lines are private property and not owned by Peoria Heights Water. Peoria Heights Water owns the water mains, the individual service tap that runs from the water main onto your property, and the service shut off valve in the easement on your property. The pipe after the service shut off, known as a service line, which transports water through your yard into your house is your responsibility as the property owner. Peoria Heights Water also owns the water meter that is inside your house but does not own the pipes leading up to or after the meter. The Village is not responsible the interior shut off which shuts off service inside your house so you can make repairs.

Why is there water in the road?

The water could be run off, from a fire hydrant, or a water main break. If you see water in the roadway, especially if it seems to be coming from the road itself, please contact Peoria Heights Water so we can make sure there isn’t a water main break.

Water Meter

Where’s my meter and shutoff valve?

Meters and shut off valves are typically located where the water service line enters your home, but some may have meter pits in the yard. Generally, they’re found in the basement near a water heater or water softener. The water department has an exterior shut off valve located near the edge of the property that we can use for emergencies.

My meter is blank. Is it broken?

The meter’s display panel is solar based so it doesn’t require electricity. To wake up the display shine a bright light, such as the flashlight from a cell phone, on the display for a few minutes. Once awake, the display will show the current read. Meter readings are to the .1 gallon.

Water Quality

Where does my water come from?

The water is ground water from the Sankoty Aquifer which is pumped above ground through five active wells. Water is then treated in our facilities and stored in one of three water towers.

How is my water treated?

Employees monitor and test the water supply daily. Our water is treated with fluoride which is mandated by the Illinois Department of Public Health for dental health, phosphate which suspends naturally occurring minerals in the water such as iron and manganese, and liquid bleach (chlorine) which kills any potential bacteria in the water supply.

What kind of testing do you do on the water?

The Environmental Protection Agency, or EPA, has strict testing requirements which they monitor closely to ensure the water we supply is safe for consumption. We test for bacterial and chemical levels. We take monthly samples from both homes and businesses which are independently tested and submitted to the EPA to ensure these standards are being met. Also, there are quarterly and annual tests which must be completed. Finally, the EPA conducts on-site inspection of our water facilities every three years.

Can I see the results of these tests?

All of these tests are summarized and reported to the residents in the annual Water Quality Report which is available in May. Past reports, testing results, and additional information about the Peoria Heights Water system can be found online at:

http://water.epa.state.il.us/dww/  and looking up the water system number IL1434750.

The most recent reports are linked above on this page.

Misc.

Why do I have to have my backflow preventer inspected?

The EPA has mandated that all water utilities must administer a Cross Connection Control Program. Peoria Heights Water has contracted Aqua Backflow to administer its program. Cross connections, or backflow preventers, are valves designed to keep chemicals and unsafe water from flowing backwards into the drinking water system. Testing must be performed annually on backflow preventers by registered testers, and the results must be submitted online with Aqua Backflow. Backflow preventers may be located on fire protection systems, lawn irrigation systems, boiler systems, hot tubs, and / or swimming pools.