Cross Connection Control Program

If you have questions or concerns regarding the biennial cross connection survey or backflow preventer testing requirements, please contact the Public Works Department...

E-Mail Public Works Department

• Phone (847) 870-5640
• Fax (847) 253-9377

If you have questions or concerns regarding an order to install a backflow preventer or perform a cross connection inspection on your private plumbing, please contact the Building Division of the Community Development Department...

E-Mail Community Development Department

• Phone (847) 818-5328
• Fax (847) 818-5329
• Website www.mountprospect.org

In order to appreciate the need for backflow control measures, it is important to consider how our water distribution system functions. Our system is designed to operate under pressure provided by water stored in our elevated tank. The earthbound pull of gravity, aided by occasional contributions from our pumping stations, translates to a stable pressure forcing water through the underground mains seeking areas of reduced pressure.

Reduced pressure is created in water mains whenever customers draw water through their service connections. Opening a tap relieves the pressure in the main and water spills out of a customer's faucet. Prompted by constant pressure, water inside the mains rushes to fill the void created by the water escaping through the faucet. This scenario is imperceptibly repeated countless times throughout the Village each day resulting in an efficient water distribution system capable of satisfying all of our domestic, commercial, and fire protection water needs.

Unfortunately, our control over the pressurized environment is not absolute. Main breaks and fire fighting operations are two examples of activities capable of creating dramatic low pressure zones within our mains. During these types of events, the hydraulic gradient may shift enough to reverse the intended flow of water and actually draw water out of nearby service connections. If these connections are affixed to chemical mixing facilities or any non-potable water supply, the possibility exists that dangerous backflow can occur resulting in contamination of our public water supply.

Backflow, for our purposes, can essentially be considered a phenomenon derived from one or both of two possible sources: a backsiphonage situation or a backpressure situation. Backsiphonage is caused by reduced or negative pressure in supply piping. The main break and fire fighting scenarios described in the previous paragraph are prime examples of environments conducive to backsiphonage. A break in our underground pipes or a fire engine hooking up to a hydrant can create reduced or negative pressure zones that may draw water from sources beyond the sanitary control of the Village via service connections or cross connections attached to services.

Backpressure is backflow that can occur when our supply piping is connected to a non-potable system operating under higher pressure. For example, when fire sprinkling systems are charged for testing, or when our system supplies certain industrial processes that are utilizing water as a mixing or cleaning agent, it is possible to encounter higher pressures.

Figure 1 below depicts a double check backflow preventer. This device is commonly used to protect against low to medium hazard installations such as food processing steam kettles and apartment projects. It may be used under continuous pressure and protect against both backsiphonage and backpressure conditions.

A double check valve is essentially two single check valves coupled within one body and furnished with test cocks and two tightly closing gate valves.

The test capability feature gives this device a big advantage over the use of two independent check valves in that it can be readily tested to determine if either or both check valves are inoperative or fouled by debris.

Figure 1 - Double Check Backflow Preventer

Each check is spring loaded closed and requires approximately a pound of pressure to open. This spring loading provides the ability to “bite” through small debris and still seal—a protection feature not prevalent in unloaded swing check valves.

Figure 2 depicts a reduced pressure zone backflow preventer (RPZ). These devices are utilized when the risks from contamination are high. Maximum protection is achieved against backsiphonage and backpressure conditions utilizing reduced pressure principle backflow preventers.

These devices are essentially modified double check valves with an atmospheric vent capability placed between the two checks and designed such that this “zone” between the two checks is always kept at least two pounds less than the supply pressure.

Figure 2 - Reduced Pressure Zone Backflow Preventer


With this design criteria, the reduced pressure principle backflow preventer can provide protection against backsiphonage and backpressure when both the first and second checks become fouled. They can be used under constant pressure and at high hazard installations. They are furnished with test cocks and gate valves to enable testing and are available in sizes ¾-inch through 10 inch.

Village of Mount Prospect Backflow Assembly Test and Certification Report

To download a copy of the Village of Mount Prospect Backflow Assembly Test and Certification form, please follow this link.

Backflow Test Form

Effective January 1, 2006, this form will be the only form accepted for the documentation of annual backflow preventer testing requirements. Backflow preventer testers submitting test results on proprietary or third-party forms will be required to resubmit results on the Village of Mount Prospect form. Test results WILL NOT be accepted unless received on the proper form.

The figure below depicts a possible backsiphonage scenario. In this drawing, a motor vehicle collides with a fire hydrant installed on the public water main (B). The crash causes the hydrant to break releasing water from the public main. The ensuing drop in water pressure in the public water main creates suction that draws dirty water from a second floor bathroom in a nearby home into the public main (A).

The second story bathtub presents a cross connection hazard because it has elevation (second story). It is a tall column of water that must be constantly supported by the water pressure in the public main. Even a momentary loss of support will cause this column to fall.

The faucets might be installed below the bath tub rim level or overflow drain. In these situations, the faucet (a connection to potable drinking water supply) can become submerged creating a nexus for the introduction of unsanitary water into the drinking water supply.

A temporary hose might be affixed to the faucet and allowed to submerge in the bathwater. This situation would create the same conditions as a submerged faucet described above.

The process requires four easy steps each detailed in the next section.

The first, and perhaps most important, step in the Mount Prospect Cross Connection Control Program is a survey designed to identify how each customer uses water. How customers use water can be a strong indicator of the potential for contaminating drinking water during a backflow incident. 

As part of this effort, representatives from the Public Works Department visit each commercial and/or industrial water user and ask the owner of the premises or the operator of the business to provide answers to a series of water-use questions.

The answers to these questions help Village staff to determine whether cross connections, or the potential for cross connections, exist on the premises. These questions can be viewed on our Cross Connection Survey Form.

Questions or concerns about the survey process should be directed to the Superintendent of Water/Sewer, Casey Botterman at 847-870-5640.

The next step is Analysis of collected survey information.

Once the survey forms have been completed, they are submitted for review and analysis by the Village Plumbing Inspector. The Plumbing Inspector is assisted in this effort by the Superintendent of Water and Sewer.

The purpose of this review is to carefully consider information garnered from the survey process and make certain that the Village-owned water distribution system is sufficiently protected from backflow contamination. Often, the manner in which consumers use water can create cross connections, or potential cross connections, that endanger both private plumbing systems and the public water distribution system.

To gain a better understanding as to how water use can impact backflow prevention decisions, please check out the FAQ section.

Once a survey form has been reviewed, and cross connection threats analyzed, the Plumbing Inspector may issue a written order to the water consumer to install specified backflow protection (compliance). In some cases, this protection may include the installation of one or more approved backflow preventers at specified locations.

In other cases, survey information may be incomplete, or the plumbing systems at surveyed properties too complex, to make a reasonable assessment of risk. In these situations, the Plumbing Inspector may direct the water consumer to conduct a detailed inspection of their private plumbing system utilizing the services of a licensed Cross Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI). The results of this inspection will be used to determine where and what type of backflow protection is required.

Questions or concerns regarding the survey analysis process should be directed to the Plumbing Inspector.

The next step is Compliance.

Typically, the Plumbing Inspector will inform property owners, or business operators, of the need to install backflow protection in writing. This document will specify what type and where backflow protection is required.

The most common types of backflow prevention devices utilized in the Village of Mount Prospect are double check backflow preventers and reduced pressure zone backflow preventers. Double check devices are utilized to protect potable water systems from low and medium backflow risks. Reduced pressure zone devices are used to protect against hazardous backflow risks. If you are required to install a backflow preventer, it will probably be one, or combinations, of these devices.

The Village Code stipulates that property owners have up to 60 days to comply with a request to install a backflow prevention device. However, in cases where the risk of contamination is extremely high or imminent, faster compliance may be necessary.

Any retrofit installation of a backflow preventer requires a plumbing permit. Plumbing permits can be obtained by visiting the Community Development Department, 2nd Floor, Mount Prospect Village Hall, 50 South Emerson Street. Please be aware that plumbing permit procedures often necessitate an on-site inspection by the Plumbing Inspector after the work has been completed. 

All backflow preventers must be installed by a licensed plumber with a Cross Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI) certification. With only a few exceptions, State law prohibits the installation of backflow preventers by property owners, business operators, or "handymen" lacking CCCDI licensure.

In addition, any retrofit installation of a backflow preventer on a fire protection system requires hydraulic analysis by a licensed fire protection engineer. The purpose of this analysis is to properly consider the effect of the backflow preventer on the operation of the fire sprinkler system. This analysis, and it's conclusions, must be approved by the Village of Mount Prospect Fire Marshal. Additional information about retrofit installation of backflow preventers on fire protection systems can be found by following this link.

Finally, after a backflow preventer has been installed and satisfactorily tested, a copy of the test results must be submitted to the Mount Prospect Public Works Department, Cross Connection Control Program, 1700 West Central Road. Test reports should be submitted using the Village of Mount Prospect Backflow Assembly Test and Certification Report form. In addition, a copy of this report must be continuously displayed on the device.

Along with each test report, a Cross Connection Control Program Administration Fee must be submitted. This fee is $12.95 per device per year.

IMPORTANT NOTE: Backflow preventers must be tested and certified each year. For additional information about this requirement, please visit the Tester Registration and Test Submittal guide above.

Questions or concerns about compliance issues should be addressed to the Plumbing Inspector.

Pursuant to state law, all Double Check (DC) and Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) backflow preventers must be tested and recertified on an annual basis. This requirement includes Double Detector Check (DDC) Assemblies and Reduced Pressure Detector Assemblies (RPDA) (NOTE: DDC and RPDA assemblies are DC and RPZ devices modified for service in fire sprinkler systems).

Testing and repairs (f necessary) can only be performed by a licensed State of Illinois plumber with a cross connection control device inspector (CCCDI) certification. Tests or repairs performed by any individual lacking proper licensure are invalid and will not be accepted by the Village.

The Village does not maintain any listing of approved, endorsed, or preferred cross connection control device inspectors. The Village emphasizes that each property owner should make certain that the plumber they use is properly licensed. In addition, the Village recommends that each property owner obtain at least three (3) competitive estimates for backflow preventer test and repair work.

Copies of all backflow preventer test reports must be physically affixed to the device and continuously displayed.

In addition, a copy of the test report must be submitted to the Village. State law and the Village Code require the Village to maintain records of backflow preventer tests and repairs. The report should be submitted to Public Works Department prior to the expiration of the most recent certification. All test reports should be submitted to:

Mount Prospect Public Works
Cross Connection Control Program
1700 West Central Road
Mount Prospect, IL 60056-2229

All testing and repair information should be submitted on the Village of Mount Prospect Backflow Assembly Test and Certification Report. After January 1, 2006, backflow preventer test reports will only be accepted if they are submitted on this form. In the meantime, tests reported on third-party forms will be accepted provided they contain the following information:

• Date of test.
• Name and CCCDI number of person performing the test.
• Test results.
• Repairs or service required.
• Repairs or service performed and date completed.
• A separate report should be submitted for each device tested.

In addition to the test report, a $10 Cross Connection Control Program Administration Fee must be paid for each device. For example, if you install 3 devices on your property, 3 separate backflow assembly test reports must be submitted. These reports should be accompanied by a check, made payable to the Village of Mount Prospect, Illinois, in the amount of $30.

This fee is due annually and should accompany the test report.

If the fee is submitted separately, it should be sent to the attention of the Mount Prospect Public Works Cross Connection Control Program referenced above and should identify the property where the backflow preventers are installed.

Questions or concerns about backflow preventer testing and fees should be directed to the Superintendent of Water/Sewer, Casey Botterman at 847-870-5640.

State of Illinois regulations mandate that all public water purveyors must implement and maintain an acceptable cross connection control program. These regulations were promulgated by the Illinois Pollution Control Board and are enforced by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. This program is a State mandate. In summary, the state regulations prohibit cross connections of any kind and require the Village, as a water purveyor, to maintain an active program aimed at identifying and eliminating cross connection hazards.

Your best option is to consult with a qualified plumbing professional. Specifically, you should make certain that you obtain the advice of a plumber holding a cross connection control device inspector (CCCDI) license issued by the State of Illinois. A CCCDI can inspect your property and help you to identify cross connections, eliminate cross connections, or make sure that potable water systems are protected from cross connections. To gain a better understanding of the risks you may face from cross connections, please follow this link.

Yes. And no. The purpose of the Village's cross connection control program is to make certain that the public potable water distribution system is protected from consumer backflow. In other words, once water is delivered to consumers' private plumbing systems, we don't want it back. Consequently, we will identify where and what type of backflow prevention is necessary to protect the public. However, we will not be performing an exhaustive inspection of consumers' private plumbing systems. Therefore, it is feasible that you may need additional backflow protection above and beyond what the Village requires in order to safeguard your private plumbing system.

No. This program is funded entirely by fund balances currently available in the Village's water and sewer enterprise fund. However, water consumers tributary to the Village-owned water distribution system may be required to pay a Cross Connection Program Administration Fee.

This fee is intended to offset the administrative costs of implementing this federal and state mandate. The fee is $10 per device per year.

Pursuant to federal, state, and Village codes, most backflow preventers have to be tested at least once per year. For additional testing information, please follow this link.

No. Backflow preventers can only be tested by plumbers holding a Cross Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI) certification. This certification requires specialized training in the operation and maintenance of cross connection control devices (backflow preventers).

Typically, the cross connection survey can be completed in 15-20 minutes.

No. They will need to visit the location(s) where your water service enters your building(s). They will then ask you a series of questions about how you use water. They will not trace pipes or conduct a plumbing inspection of your facility.

Possibly. Often times consumers can experience pressure losses of 10 psi or more downstream of double check or RPZ backflow preventer. If this type of pressure loss adversely affects your ability to use water downstream of the device, you may have to boost the pressure by installing a pump. The installation of any pump in a plumbing system requires a permit.

The type of business can be a good indicator of the potential for water system contamination via cross connections. For example, some businesses such as car washes, laundries, dry cleaners, metal platers or reclaimers, hospitals, medical or dental offices, nursing homes, funeral homes or mortuaries, laboratories, food or beverage processing plants, restaurants, chemical plants, and food or beverage processing facilities, intrinsically use water in some fashion as part of their normal business operations. Some also use hazardous or toxic chemicals or work with sewer-connected equipment (autoclaves, cuspidors, aspirators, etc.). The introduction of a potable water distribution system into these types of facilities creates at least the potential for contamination via cross connections. The Village Code specifically stipulates that these types of businesses must be equipped with proper backflow prevention devices.

Water used as part of any manufacturing, industrial, commercial, or business process, aside from typical domestic uses such as lavatory sink or a normal flush toilet, creates the potential for cross connections. For example, a chemical plant may use water to compound solutions or clean vats. The point at which potable water is introduced to these processes is the point at which cross connections are possible.

Facilities that use potable water as part of a processing operation can present significant risks to the water distribution system. This purpose of this question is similar to the reasoning behind the preceding two questions. It is pointed attempt to further clarify how water is used on the premises.

The mere presence of hazardous or toxic materials or chemicals creates the potential for cross connections with the potable water system. This is true regardless of whether or not potable water is also used in these processes. Often, property owners or business operators don't realize how quickly and easily hazardous materials can be unintentionally introduced to their plumbing systems. For example, a temporary hose connected to a slop sink faucet and placed in an barrel that contains a residual amount of a hazardous material can become a cross connection as soon as the hose becomes submerged. This act might be considered an innocuous part of "cleaning up" after a manufacturing process but it could create a very hazardous cross connection. Consequently, premises with hazardous or toxic materials on site require backflow prevention regardless of whether actual cross connections are identified.

These types of devices almost always have a plumbing connection and can easily be a source for unsanitary water or contaminants to enter the potable water system. For example, a boiler needs fresh water to "make-up" water lost to heating processes. If a backflow incident occurs, hot water, steam, or chemical additives used in the boiler can be drawn into the plumbing system.

Fire sprinkler systems connected to the potable water system present a cross connection hazard because the water stored inside the piping network is usually stagnant and motionless for a very long period of time. Consequently, this water must be considered unsanitary and potentially hazardous to human health.

Some fire systems use chemical additives to improve fire suppression or to prevent scale growth, corrosion, algae, and slime growths. The addition of these chemicals can create a higher degree of hazard because they could seriously injure anyone who consumes them following a backflow incident.

Fixed lawn sprinklers can present a cross connection hazard because they present a nexus for lawn chemicals and fertilizers to enter the potable water system. For example, a small pool of water over a recessed sprinkler head can become saturated with chemicals used to control lawn weeds. During a backflow incident, this small pool of water, and its contaminants, can be drawn into the potable water system.

Auxiliary water supplies, such as a private well, present a cross connection hazard because they create the potential for the potable water distribution system to become blended with water from a source beyond the control of the Village. If a facility is supplied by both well water and public water, the well water piping can easily be inadvertently, or intentionally, connected to the plumbing supplied by the public water distribution system. Generally, private well water is not tested, treated, or subject to the same stringent quality regulations as public drinking water systems. At the very least, the quality of most private well water must be considered questionable at best.

Systems using booster pumps, whether for lawn irrigation, fire suppression, or to distribute potable water to higher elevations, present a cross connection hazard because they can create a situation whereby higher pressure in private plumbing can reverse the intended flow of water and force contaminants into the public potable water distribution system.

Tall buildings can have the affect of a mini-water tower or elevated tank. In a very abstract sense, they store water in their plumbing systems. This water must be constantly supported by potable water distribution system pressure. If a main break or other problem causes a drop in pressure, the water from tall buildings can easily be drawn back into the public water distribution system.

Any equipment cooled by water connected to the potable water distribution system creates an opportunity for contaminants such as bacteria, lubricants, or chemicals to enter the potable distribution system during a backflow incident. In some cases, water cooled equipment is also directly connected to sewer systems thereby creating an undesirable connection between the potable water system and the sewer system.

Reservoirs, cooling towers, and circulating systems may be heavily contaminated with bird droppings, vermin, algae, bacterial slimes, or with toxic water treatment compounds such as pentachlorophenol, copper, chromates, metallic glycosides, compounds of mercury, and quaternary ammonium compounds.

Most solar energy systems have a connection to the potable water distribution system. Some solar energy systems may also employ antifreeze solutions or chemical corrosion inhibitors. During a backflow incident, it is possible that these contaminants could be drawn into the potable water system.

Connections between the potable water system and potentially contaminated or sewer connected equipment such as a cuspidor in a dentist's office create the opportunity to draw contaminants, bodily fluids, or wastewater into the potable water system during a backflow incident.

Multiple services to a single facility create the opportunity for the private plumbing to become looped and return water to the public water distribution system. Once potable water leaves the public mains and is beyond control of the Village, it cannot be returned to the Village-owned water distribution system.

Village-Owned Water Distribution System

The Village-owned water distribution system is defined as the portion of Mount Prospect that receives potable water from the water mains, pumps, reservoirs, and elevated tank network owned, operated, and maintained by the Village of Mount Prospect.

In this area, there are approximately 15,000 water service connections providing water to approximately 40,000 people.

The picture below depicts this area.

It shall be unlawful for any person to use or any owner to allow the use of any water, whether drawn directly or indirectly from public wells and/or public water supply distribution systems for the purpose of watering and/or sprinkling lawns and/or gardens or for the purpose of filling and/or refilling swimming pools, outside washing, or other exterior uses, except as provided herein below:

1. Watering and/or sprinkling shall be permitted for odd numbered addresses on odd numbered dates, and for even numbered addresses on even numbered dates. All such watering and/or sprinkling shall be accomplished only between the hours of four o'clock (4:00) P.M. to ten o'clock (10:00) A.M.
2. Newly sodded areas of lawns may be watered at any time on any day for the two (2) week period following the installation of such sod.

These rules are in effect 7 days a week.

Please note: In months were there is a 31st day, then the rule still applies and customers may water on both the 31st and the 1st.

Also, the day ends at midnight, so watering is from 4:00 PM to 12:00 AM for the designated day. Likewise, the new day begins at 12:00 AM and watering begins for the next group until 10:00 AM.

If you have any questions, please call Public Works at 870-5640.

Your activities can affect water quality in various spots throughout your yard.  Look around your property with an eye toward these conditions. 

• Directing downspouts to unpaved areas lets rainwater soak into the ground, reducing runoff flow into the lakes.
• Composting converts leaves and grass clippings into a nutrient-rich mulch for your planting beds and gardens, minimizing the need for fertilizers.
• Natural areas and planting beds lend variety to a residential lawn, attract wildlife, and mean you have less lawn to mow and fertilize.

• Keep lawn chemicals, car care products, and household cleaners properly sealed in their containers. Safely store these containers away from people, pets, and runoff water.
• Limit the use of fertilizer and pesticides. If you do use those products, sweep the excess off paved areas to keep them from entering the water supply through storm sewers.
• A small oil drip or gas leak may not seem like a big deal, but after a good rain, these toxic chemicals become runoff that washes into bodies of water.
• Cover bare spots in your lawn to reduce water runoff by planting the area with grass or some other vegetation and then immediately covering it with mulch or hay until vegetation takes root.

Drinking water delivered through the village’s system can sometimes look "milky" or "cloudy." This cloudiness often occurs when air becomes trapped in the water. While this may impact the water's appearance, it does not affect the water's safety and will not harm household plumbing systems.

How does air get into the water?

It can be introduced in many ways, including the water pumping process where you bring colder lake water up to the surface for treatment and distribution or water pipeline maintenance. This condition occurs most often when water is very cold and then warms up while in a building's interior piping. Cold water can hold more air than warm water. Therefore, some air comes out of solution as tiny air bubbles when the water warms up. At times the water may be so densely filled with air that the water appears cloudy.

Because water pipelines are pressurized, air remains trapped in the water until you open the faucet and release the pressure—similar to the effect created when you open a bottle of soda. The thousands of tiny air bubbles that form give the water a slightly white appearance.

How do I know if cloudiness is really because of air?

To see if the white color in the water is due to air, fill a clear glass with water and set it on the counter. Observe the glass of water for two or three minutes. If the white color is due to air, the water will begin to clear at the bottom of the glass first and then gradually will clear all the way to the top. This is a natural phenomenon and is completely normal; the water is safe to use.

Trapped air does not affect water quality.  It's important to understand that this cloudy appearance does not reduce the water's quality. Technicians collect and analyze hundreds of drinking water samples each year from throughout the Village’s system to ensure that tap water meets or surpasses the standards of the federal Safe Drinking Water Act.

If you have questions about the quality of your drinking water, please call the Public Works Water Division at 847-870-5640.

Tips to Protect Yourself During the Winter Season

WINTERIZING YOUR WATER SERVICE

 Do it the right and safe way.

The Village receives numerous inquiries on the proper process to “winterize” a water service. People request to “winterize” their homes for various reasons, such as extended vacations, renovations, vacancy, sale of the home, etc. 

In order to comply with the Village Code and ordinances, here are the steps to properly winterize your water service:

• Please call Public Works at 847.870.5640 at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a water service shutoff at the b-box.  If Public Works finds any problems with the operation of the b-box, the property owner will be notified.  Sometimes debris or age will make a b-box inoperable.
• After the water service is shutoff by Public Works, you will need to drain the interior plumbing by shutting off the water heater and opening the water heater drain port or by draining the lowest faucet or spigot in the system.  Expect to drain several gallons of water from this spigot so have a bucket handy.  Contact a licensed plumber to properly drain piping, water heater, toilets, and traps to prevent damage from freezing.
• Do not turn off the heat to the property. Lower your thermostats to maintain a minimum temperature to keep pipes from freezing. Contact an HVAC contractor to install a programmable thermostat if needed.  Turning off the heat to a property is not advisable during the winter months as pipes can freeze or worse, burst and cause flooding.

The Village Code does not allow a property to be “winterized” by the removal of the water meter. Removal of a water meter is considered tampering with the water system and is prohibited by Village Code.  B-boxes, round-ways or road boxes should only be operated by Public Works.  Improper use of these devices by untrained persons can result in damage, including main breaks or service leaks causing service disruption to the property and others.  Also, fines and fees can be imposed per the Village Code.

Do not use an air compressor to ‘blow out’ the private service piping. Using an air compressor allows grit, oils and other contaminants to enter the private and public water supply posing a potential health risk to you and others who drink the water.  Adding chemicals or antifreeze to your system may contaminate the piping and require expensive cleanup. This practice is not allowed by Village Code, is unsafe, and not sanitary.

Winterizing your property does not relieve you from paying sewer, cross-connection device and refuse flat fees.  These are applicable whether there is water usage or not.  Be safe, be smart – winterize the proper way.

PREVENTING FROZEN WATER LINES

If you will be out of town over the winter please have a friend, relative, neighbor or handyman check on your home during the severe cold spells.  Please make sure that the inside water shutoff actually works and that everyone knows where this important valve is located.

If you have a history of frozen water pipes, consider leaving a spigot slowly dripping water as this keeps water circulating in the pipes.  However, you will be charged for the water used so if you run your water run it a rate of about one gallon every five minutes.  Allowing the water to run at a rate of one gallon every five minutes, which is a stream of water about the width of a pencil, is equivalent to approximately 500 gallons per day.

You can wrap any exposed pipes in your home with foam pipe insulation or with heat tape.  You can also turn the temperature up in areas where you have exposed water piping. Do not turn the heat lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit in areas with exposed piping.  All of these items are available at your local plumbing or hardware stores.  If you are not sure ask your plumber or handyman to give you advice.

If your water line freezes; consider calling a licensed plumber.  Improper thawing could cause your pipes to burst, adding to the problem.  Do not use open flames, consider using a heat tape to wrap around your pipes.  A hair dryer, heat tape, heating pad or heat gun may help thaw the line but this can take hours. So be careful and do not leave these items unattended.   If the water lines are frozen for an extended period; you may have an issue with your water heater or boiler, please consult a professional.

This illustration provides property owners with a clear understanding of who is responsible for maintaining and repairing the water service line.

The Village is responsible for the water main and the portion of the service line extending from the water main to the shut-off valve, commonly referred to as the B-Box. The B-Box is usually located in the grassy area near the driveway or sidewalk.

Property owners are responsible for maintaining all fixtures, pipes, valves, and related components from their property to the point where the water service line connects to the B-Box.

The Village of Mount Prospect’s Water Division is committed to protecting public health, and we understand concerns about PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." As both a water provider and members of this community, we take water safety seriously.

We recently conducted water testing as part of a nationwide study required by the EPA. PFAS are chemicals found in many everyday products like fabric, paint, and cookware, and they can make their way into air, water, and soil. While the EPA is still studying PFAS and has not yet set regulations, they are collecting data to determine if new standards are needed.

To keep you informed, we sent out a letter explaining this testing. The Village of Mount Prospect and our Lake Michigan water supplier, NSMJAWA, will continue monitoring PFAS under current and future regulations. Our test results are posted below.

The good news? All of our results came back as Not Detected (ND) or below the minimum reporting level (<MRL). Our sampling followed strict industry standards and met all quality control requirements, ensuring the highest level of accuracy and safety.

PFSA FAQs

• Resident Letter
• PFAS Results 1
• PFAS Results 2
• PFAS Results 3