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1. How much water does the average person use per day?

Estimates vary, but each person uses about 80 – 100 gallons per day. The largest household use of water is to flush the toilet, followed by showers and baths. A typical family of four would normally use about 35 to 40 units of water or between 26,000 – 30,000 gallons of water per three month billing cycle.

2. Do I need a water softener?

It is really a matter of personal preference whether you need a water softener or not. Although your public water supply is being softened to a hardness of about 7 grains/gallon, the water will not be as soft as a home softening unit would provide. If you are unsure of whether you need a water softener or not, we recommend trying the water without a home softener first. You can always add a softening unit later.

3. Where do I find information concerning lead in drinking water?

The City of DeKalb utilizes Corrosion Control Treatment (CCT) by adding a Phosphate blend to reduce the amount of corrosion or leaching of lead and copper from internal plumbing systems. Lead found in tap water usually comes from lead pipes, the corrosion of older fixtures or from the solder that connects pipes. When water sits in leaded pipes for several hours, lead may leach into the water supply. Please visit the following websites for more information. CDC http://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/tips/water.htm Opens a New Window.   or EPA   https://www.epa.gov/ground-water-and-drinking-water/basic-information-about-lead-drinking-water Opens a New Window.   Should you have any further questions, please contact the DeKalb Water Division at (815) 748-8122.

4. How do I know what material was used for my water service line?

Typically water service lines are made from copper, lead or galvanized pipe. Check the link to see what your particular water service line may be constructed of.

Water Service Line Listing by Address

5. Is bottled water better?

While the EPA regulates water delivered by the public water systems, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulates commercial bottled water. FDA standards are less stringent than the EPA standards. For bottled water, there are no requirements to inform consumers of the source of water or to report many of the contaminants detected in the water. While most commercially bottled water is safe and of high quality, one should not assume that just because it comes out of a bottle it is as healthy as the water from your tap.

6. Where do I pay my water bill or make account changes?

Water billing is part of the Finance Department. Customers may sign up for new service, obtain account information or have their services discontinued through this Department.

Water bills are paid at the City Hall front desk between the hours of 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.

Payment can be in the form of cash, check or credit card. For your convenience there is a drop box located in the parking lot in the rear of City Hall for after hours use. Payments can also be made online.

For answers to any of the services above related to water billing, please contact Utility Billing at 815-748-2085 during regular City Hall hours.

7. What type of water treatment does the City provide?

The City of DeKalb uses five ion exchange softening Treatment Plants to treat all of the City’s water supply. In addition, two of the Treatment Plants contain iron filtration to remove excess iron from the shallow wells. After the water has been softened, fluoride, chlorine and phosphate are added (see Note). The water is then pumped out into the distribution system or into the water towers for storage.
Note:
• Fluoride is added to promote the development of strong teeth
• Chlorine is added for disinfection
• Phosphate is added prevent rusty water complaints by keeping the iron in suspension and also helps to coat the interior of metal pipes to prevent corrosion.

8. Where does our water come from?

The City of DeKalb water supply is from six deep wells drawing water from the Ironton-Galesville and St. Peter sandstone unit of the Cambrian-Ordovician aquifer, and three shallow wells that draw water from the Troy Valley Aquifer.