Water Main Breaks

The Village owns and maintains approximately 64 miles of water main (the underground pipes that distribute water throughout Flossmoor). Due to aging materials, shifting ground, and/or frozen pipes, the Village experiences numerous water main breaks every year. While most breaks require relatively routine quick repairs, more complex breaks can require more time to repair. The Village understands that water main breaks and disruption in water service is inconvenient to residents and businesses. Please know that Public Works crews work very diligently to repair the breaks and restore service as quickly as possible. 

What Is a Water Main Break?

A main break occurs any time water begins escaping from a main (the underground pipe that distributes water throughout the Village). Depending on the size of the main and the severity, a main break may look like water actively bubbling up from the ground or it may be as simple as a small stream of water flowing into a storm sewer. If you see flowing water in an unusual location, especially when the pavement and everything else is dry, you should report it for evaluation. Contact the Public Works Department during its regular business hours (Mondays through Fridays, 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.) at 708-957-4100. Outside of those hours, contact the Police Department non-emergency line at 708-957-4500 to report it. If a water main break is confirmed, a utility locate request will be submitted to J.U.L.I.E. and a Public Works crew will be dispatched to the area to begin a repair.  

Will I be notified when a Water Main Break is in my area?

Most Water Main Breaks affect a limited number of residents and are isolated to a single street or block. If the exposed leak is minor, it can sometimes be clamped and sealed without the need for shutdown of water. If the leak does require a water shutdown to repair, the Public Works Department will go door-to-door to notify affected residents of the water shutdown. If no one is home at the time, a door hanger will be left with information regarding the interruption to the water service. There will not be a notification after the repair is complete, as that should be evident when you turn on a faucet in your home or business.

Is the water safe during a Water Main Break? 

The Village’s maintains a rigorous water- quality testing program and has an outstanding record of water quality.  Our staff draws water samples at multiple customer locations on a monthly basis that are tested by a certified laboratory and submitted to the IEPA. Each year the Village is required to prepare and publish a Customer Confidence Report (CCR), which includes water-quality test results from the City of Hammond and the Village of Flossmoor. The most recent CCR can be found here: Village of Flossmoor Water Quality Report.  

Why is my water discolored/pressure low after a Water Main Break? 

Despite the Public Works Department thoroughly flushing the water main after a break, sometimes residents can experience discolored water and/or low water pressure for several hours. The discoloration is iron from the water main that has dissolved into the water because of the break. There is no known health hazard from the discolored water, though it is understandable if you wish to refrain from drinking the water until it is clear. The low pressure is a result of aerators and faucet cartridges that collect dirt or debris. The Public Works Department recommends removing any debris from faucet aerators to clear any particles that may become trapped in the aerator and running only cold water during this time to avoid discolored water being drawn into your hot water heater. 

Should I be concerned about lead?

Lead and copper levels in Flossmoor water fall well below legal limits. However, water main maintenance may cause exposure to lead from service lines or household plumbing fixtures. It is not known for certain if a repair will adversely affect the lead (if present) plumbing in or outside your home. However, there are measures to reduce any possible exposure, if present. Once the repair is complete, run your cold tap water for a minimum of two minutes to flush your service line and plumbing. To learn more about lead in water service, please click here... 

Will my parkway be repaired?  

The scope of the main repair will vary depending upon the severity of the particular break, but the street or parkway will be dug up to access the pipe. If any damage occurs to your driveway apron or parkway due to a water main break, the Public Works Department will restore the area(s). Repairs will be made as soon as possible. If an area is excavated during the winter, restoration will be done in early spring when materials are available, and weather conditions improve.