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Finance Department

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1. What is the Village's Fiscal Year?

The Village's fiscal year runs from May 1st through April 30th.

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Home Page

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1. During what hours is the Village Hall open?

The Village Hall is open Monday through Friday from 9:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., except for Federal holidays and weather emergencies. On Saturday and Sunday we are closed.

2. Do I need a Building Permit?

Yes, permits are required for most projects completed in the Village. It is important to note that Building Permits are required for the following:

• Additions
• Decks
• Fences
• Furnace and or Air Conditioning Install or Replacement
• Garages
• Generators
• Gutters
• New Construction
• Pools
• Porches
• Remodeling
• Roofs
• Sheds
• Siding
• Sprinkling Systems
• Water Heater Replacement

The list of items shown requiring a building permit may not contain all items and the Building Department should always be contacted first prior to starting any project to inquire about permits. For more information, visit the Building Department page or call 708-354-0225.

3. How do I register to vote?

Registering to vote has never been easier or more convenient. You can register online, in person or you can download registration forms and register through the mail. Find information for each of the four ways to register during the standard voter registration period.

• In Person: Residents can also register to vote in person with a certified registrar by going to:
  • La Grange Park Village Hall or Library.
  • One of the Cook County Clerk’s six locations.
  • An Illinois Secretary of State’s drivers license facility. You can register to vote when you obtain or renew your driver’s license or state identification card at any of the license facilities. Registration is also available at other state government offices, including public assistance offices and military recruitment offices.
• Mail: If you don’t have a driver’s license or state identification, download a mail-in voter registration card, print, fill out, sign and mail it in to:
  Cook County Clerk’s Office
  69 W Washington
  Suite 500
  Chicago, IL 60602
• Online: If you have an Illinois driver’s license or state identification, you may register online through the Illinois State Board of Elections website.

4. How do I find my polling place?

Residents are encouraged to visit the Illinois State Board of Elections website to find their polling place.

5. How do I find out who my Legislators are?

La Grange Park falls into several Congressional Districts.   The Illinois State Board of Elections maintains up to date information on Illinois Legislators.  Please visit their site, input your address on the "Find My Elected Officials" page, confirm your address and a list of Officials and contact information will be made available. 

6. When do I need to purchase my new vehicle sticker?

Due to COVID-19, Village vehicle sticker and dog tag due dates have been extended to October 31st. Stickers with the July 31st, 2020 expiration date are valid until October 31st. New stickers will be available September 1st.

Going forward Village vehicle stickers will expire October 31 of each year. New stickers must be purchased and affixed to the front windshield of any car registered to a La Grange Park address by October 31. Vehicle stickers for each year are sold without penalty beginning approximately the first full week in September through October 31 of each year. Vehicle stickers are sold at the Village Hall front counter during regular business hours. 

Newly purchased vehicles have a 60 day grace period in which to purchase and display the Village vehicle sticker. New residents have 60 days after moving in to buy a new vehicle sticker, regardless of whether they have a current sticker from another community. New residents or new vehicles, please call Village Hall at 708-354-0225 for further details.

7. Where do I apply for a dog license?

Dog licenses are handled by the front desk of the Village Hall. You can also purchase your dog license online and it will be mailed to you.   Cats do not require a license. Be sure to bring your dog’s rabies tag number when you come to the Village Hall to apply for the dog license.

8. How do I dispose of a TV or other hazardous materials?

Illinois passed a law in 2012 stating that electronics, such as TVs and laptops, can no longer be disposed of through refuse services. Residents are required to take their equipment to a recycling facility or event, to be properly disposed of. Burr Ridge has a new recycling site open to the public for drop off of e-waste. For more information and a list of acceptable items please visit their website.

The Village's new Refuse Hauler, LakeShore Recycling Services also offers curbside pick-up for "White Goods"  on the regularly scheduled pick-up date with the correct number of stickers affixed.  Please visit LakeShore's website for more information.

Residents are also encourage to visit Earth911 to find other facilities to dispose of unwanted material, such as paint, light bulbs, etc. Just type in your unwanted material and zip code, and Earth911 will provide you the name, telephone number, and address of the closest location that will accept it. We recommend that residents call the facility prior to taking any item over, to ensure acceptance.

9. When is the Village's Annual Trash Day?

Every October, the Village’s Waste Hauler provides a Community Clean-Up, where residents can dispose of an unlimited amount of refuse, including large items, for a total of five stickers. 

10. Does the Village offer free brush and leaf waste services?

Yes. During the summer months, the Public Works Department will collect branches and other brush on the first Monday of the first full week of the month, from May to October. For exact dates, please check your Spring Rose Clippings. Public Works will also collect leaves starting in October and will try to make at least two rounds of pickup. For exact dates, please check your Rose Clippings.

The Village contracts with LRS for the removal of refuse, recycling, e-waste and yard waste for all single-family, two-family and municipal property within the Village. The service dates are: 

• Wednesday (All streets west of La Grange Road
• Thursday (All streets east of of the IHB railroad tracks
• Friday (All streets from La Grange Road east to the IHB railroad tracks.

If impacted by a holiday service is delayed one day.  For more information please visit our web page. 

11. Are Storage PODS allowed in the Village, and if so, is there a time limit?

Temporary storage containers (also known as PODS) are permitted in any zoning district when used for loading or unloading. Containers are permitted on site for a period not to exceed 72 hours. Temporary storage containers are exempt from obtaining a temporary use permit. Containers cannot be left on the street, they must be located on private property.

Temporary storage containers shall not be used for permanent storage. They shall not serve as a substitute for permanent storage needs on the site on which they are located. Containers shall not be permanently attached to the ground, serviced with permanent utilities or stacked on the site.

12. Does the Village allow garage sales?

House, apartment, garage and yard sales are allowed in any zoning district, but only when limited to personal possessions of, or arts and crafts made by, the owner or occupant of the dwelling unit where the sale is being conducted. Sales shall be limited to a period not to exceed three consecutive days and no more than three sales shall be conducted from the same residence in any 12 month period. House, apartment, garage and yard sales are exempt from obtaining a temporary use permit. Please be aware of the sign requirements regarding these sales.

Garage or Yard Sale Signs

Temporary residential garage or yard sale signs shall be exempt from sign permit requirements, subject to the following: Temporary residential garage or yard sale signs shall not exceed 12 square feet each. Only one residential garage or yard sale sign is permitted per zoning lot. Signs must be posted no more than 24 hours prior to the event and all signs must be removed within 24 hours after the event. No signs shall be posted in the public right-of-way.

13. Does La Grange Park require Transfer Stamps?

Transfer Stamps are not required.  We ask that you contact the Village to schedule a Final Water Meter Read appointment and ask that we remove your vehicles from our Village Vehicle Sticker database. 

14. Does the Village have a guide to Village services and regulations?

Yes, the Village has updated its helpful guide (PDF) for residents. Included in the guide is a Village Directory, La Grange Park history, information on demographics, and helpful information regarding various programs and services, such as:

• Bicycle Registration
• Block Parties
• Brush and Leaf Pick-Up
• Building Permits
• Electronic Recycling
• Parking Restrictions
• Refuse Service
• Resident Purchase Parkway Tree Program
• Solicitors
• Village Communications
• Voter Registration

15. How can I stay connected with what is happening with the Village?

The Village offers a number of ways to stay connected with Village happenings. 

• Register to receive the Police Department's Public Safety Bulletin.
• Subscribe to the Village's weekly electronic newsletter. 
• View the Village's quarterly newsletter, Rose Clippings (delivered to homes).

16. When is the next Village Board meeting?

The Village Board meets on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month. The meeting on the second Tuesday of the month is considered a Work Session. At these meetings, the Village Board has in-depth discussion on all agenda items with the goal of reaching consensus on the items. The Village Board meeting held on the fourth Tuesday of the month is an action meeting at which the Village Board votes to take final action on all items, including those items previously discussed at the Work Session.

17. Why are the plows scraping the pavement to the point you see white marks and will the scraping cause the streets to wear out prematurely?

The scrape marks occur in areas where the profile of the pavement is slightly high. As a function of resurfacing, the profile of the road is often changed. Centerline joints, mid lane seams, manhole elevations and butt joints are slightly ‘high’ causing plowing with either underbelly or front mounted units to scrape these areas leaving white marks in the first season. The surface scrapes do not impact the structural integrity of the roadway. Bituminous mixtures rely on the sand and asphaltic cement matrix to ‘bind’ the aggregates together from a structural standpoint and the effects of the plowing are more of an aesthetic concern than a pavement life issue. For more information, view the Plow Scraping Information Sheet (PDF).

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Public Works

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1. Does the Village pick up tree branches year round?

Tree branches will be picked up in the fall on the first Monday of each month for one week. The Village will also pick up branches following a severe storm. Fallen branches should be moved to the curb no later than 48 hours after the storm. If branches have not been picked up please notify Public Works at 708-352-2922 no later than one week following a storm event.

2. When is the Village’s leaf removal program?

Leaves will be removed in late October through the first week of December. Village e-briefs and Rose Clippings will provide a removal schedule by the week. Only leaves should be raked to the street curb at the start of each week for your section. Other landscaping materials such as plants, grass, branches or pumpkins should not be raked into the street. Please exercise caution during this time by not parking automobiles on large leaf piles which can ignite from hot engines.

3. How can I get a load of mulch?

Mulch is available in the spring to residents outside the Public Works garage, located at 937 Barnsdale Road. If supply permits, residents can request a truckload of mulch (approximately 3 yards) by going to the online request form.

4. When is hydrant flushing conducted?

Hydrants are flushed each spring testing water flow and pressure. Harmless water discoloration may occur during the testing process. Run water from a fixture located in the lowest level of your home to alleviate discoloration. Avoid doing laundry or using the dishwasher until the water is clear.

5. Who do I contact when the street light is not working?

Residential streetlights are maintained by ComEd and can be reported online. For lights maintained by the Village, 31st street and La Grange road, please go to the Village website online request system.

6. What are the parking restrictions during snow removal?

When snow begins, residents should make every effort to remove parked cars from the streets. Clear streets allow the Village staff to salt and later plow when the snow accumulates beyond 2 inches. It is illegal to park on any street for 12 hours after a snow fall of four inches or more.

7. Are there watering restrictions during the summer months?

There are code restrictions for water sprinkling throughout the Village. A $50 fine may be imposed for each occurrence of code infraction. View the ordinance. From May 15 through September 15, it shall be unlawful for any person to sprinkle or water lawns within the corporate limits of the village except in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Residents with even numbered homes can water on even numbered calendar days.
• Residents with odd numbered homes can water on odd numbered calendar days.

8. Does the Village have a cost sharing program for sidewalk replacement?

No, the Village will replace an existing sidewalk square with a vertical displacement trip hazard of 1 inch or more at no cost to the resident. Replacement is done in the fall and requests made after commencement of work will be placed on the list for replacement the next season.

9. Does the Village replace damaged curb in front of my house?

Public Works can come out and inspect any damaged curb upon request. Generally curb replacement would be done, if needed, in conjunction with road paving projects.

10. How are parkway trees trimmed?

Parkway trees are trimmed every five years by a Village hired contractor.

11. Who do I contact for a new parkway tree?

Tree replacement program allows residents to replace parkway trees and share the cost with the Village. New trees are planted in the spring and fall of each year. The Village website has an online request system which can be completed in February for spring and in September for fall tree planting. Residents are prohibited from planting their own tree in the parkway, permission is needed for the specific location and species.

12. What does it mean when my tree has a spray painted mark?

The tree has been inspected and will be placed on the removal list.

13. Who is responsible for water and sewer services?

The Village maintains and operates the main sewer and water services throughout the Village. All sewer connections from a private residence or business to and including the connection point are the responsibility of the resident. Water service lines are maintained by the homeowner after the B-box.

14. How do I report a water main break?

Public Works is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to repair water main breaks. During business hours contact Public Works at 708-352-2992 or after hours call the non-emergency Police Department at 708-352-2151.

15. What do I do if the sewer backs up into my house?

Public Works will respond by checking the main sewer line for blockages, if none are located the homeowner should contact a licensed plumber to investigate their property connections. Contact Public Works during business hours at 708-352-2922 or after hours call the non-emergency Police Department at 708-352-2151.

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Public Works - Forestry

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1. Why prune trees?

Preventative tree pruning is designed to keep healthy trees healthy and reduce problems in trees under stress. Dead, weak or hazardous branches and limbs are removed first and then the remaining canopy is thinned as needed. This will improve branch spacing and preserve the symmetrical appearance of the tree. Additionally, lower branches may need to be removed or raised providing safe passage for pedestrians and vehicle traffic.

2. When does the Village prune parkway trees?

The Village arborist manages a cyclic pruning program to improve and maintain the community trees. Trees are pruned on a 5 year cycle with mature trees trimmed to remove dead limbs while younger trees are pruned to improve overall structure. The Village contracts tree trimming during the dormant season but can receive and evaluate tree concerns to determine the best course of action at any time. Tree request form is available on the Village website.

3. How do I get a tree planted in the parkway?

There are three options for replacing a tree:

• The village will replace at 100% cost for purchase and planting in the order trees are removed. Village selects the species, current waiting list is approximately 5 to 7 years.
• Resident can chose a tree from 5 to 6 options at each planting season - Spring and Fall. The Village pays for planting and will deliver, mulch and add a water bag to the tree. Resident pays our wholesale price for tree, roughly $250 to $300. Residents may pick from our offerings - on a first come bases.
• Residents can purchase a tree of 2 inch caliper or greater diameter at Hinsdale Nursery and have them plant the tree. Hinsdale is aware of the appropriate Village parkway trees. Resident incurs all costs associated with tree planting and is able to choose the specific tree and species. View acceptable parkway tree list.
• If you are interested in participating in the Village Wholesale Purchase Program, please email the Tree Planting Program.

4. How do I have the arborist inspect the parkway tree?

The online request form is available the Village website.

5. Will the Village pick up tree limbs?

Tree branches put out on the first Monday of each month May through October will be picked up over the course of the week and pick up will occur for downed limbs after heavy storm damage. The removal of private property yard waste or tree trimmings outside the scheduled window of brush pick are to be bundled and picked up by the current waste hauler. The current brush pick up schedule is located on the Village website and in the Rose Clippings. Residents may also sign up for e-brief to get the latest information on Village proceedings.

6. Does the arborist provide assistance regarding private property trees?

Public Works does not manage private property trees and does not get involved in private property issues. The Morton Arboretum is a good tree resource.

7. Can the Village recommend a tree company for removal or maintenance?

The Village cannot provide an official recommendation regarding a specific tree company. A certified arborist is strongly encouraged to ensure the contractor is knowledgeable and can apply proper arboricultural practices. The Village arborist advises all residents to obtain 3 separate quotes for work and confirm that the contractor carries the appropriate insurance to work on private property.

8. Does the Village have an Arbor Day Celebration?

To mark Arbor Day each year, the Village accepts nominations to plant a tree in honor or in memory of a person or group that has made a positive contribution to the community or whose achievements deserve special recognition. For submission, please send a nomination to:

Tree Planting, La Grange Park Village Hall
447 N Catherine Avenue
La Grange Park, IL 60526
Email Tree Planting

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Public Works - Plow Scrapes on Pavement

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1. Why are the plows scraping the pavement so much you see white marks?

The scrape marks occur in areas where the profile of the pavement is slightly high. As a function of resurfacing, the profile of the road is often changed. Centerline joints, mid lane seams, manhole elevations and butt joints are slightly ‘high’ making plowing with either an underbelly or front mounted unit able to scrape these areas leaving white marks in the first season of road resurfacing.

2. Why does the Village utilize underbelly plows?

Underbelly plows have certain benefits over traditional front mounted plows. Underbelly plows have an ability to adjust the downward pressure of the blades. The benefit to this feature is that freezing rain and snow packed roads can be better scraped which results in less salt applied and clearer streets than a traditional front mounted plow. The Village has lightened the amount of pressure operators can apply to lessen impacts on the road surface.

Additional benefits include:

• Increased visibility for the driver as snow is not thrown onto the windshield.
• Better maneuverability for narrow streets and around parked cars.
• Trucks are able to go down dead end streets, turn around and drivers are able to complete routes faster.
• Underbelly blades break less and allow for all plows to be available throughout a snowfall.
• Front mounted plows have a greater chance off running up curbs creating parkway damage.

3. Will the scraping cause the streets to wear out prematurely?

No, the surface scrapes do not impact the structural integrity of the roadway. Bituminous mixtures rely on the sand and asphaltic cement matrix to ‘bind’ the aggregates together from a structural standpoint and the effects of the plowing are more of an aesthetic concern than a pavement life issue. Due to local geology, in almost all cases the course aggregates (dolomite) used by bituminous mix producers employed on our projects are of the highest quality and exceed the Illinois Department of Transportation's (IDOT) requirements. As such, the individual stones are not degraded as much as other aggregates if ‘exposed’ during plowing operations. The asphalt coating the surface of the stone usually abrades off after the first year and the ‘salt-and-pepper’ visual is less dramatic in subsequent years.

4. How long should a street last?

It is important to recognize the many factors that impact pavement lifecycle. The number one factor is age. The wearing surface of the road should last fifteen years assuming the road base is solid and preventative maintenance is done. A strong second factor is traffic volume and truck traffic. The third factor to consider is freeze thaw cycles and our ability to keep water from getting under the surface pavement. Crack sealing road centerlines and refraction cracks are key to extending pavement life.

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Public Works - Sewer

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1. What is a sewer tap?

The sewer tap is the physical connection point where the homeowner's sewer service line connects to the city municipal sewer line.

2. What is a service line?

The service line serves a single user and connects your home to the city sewer. The maintenance and repair of the entire service line is the property owner's responsibility.

3. What is municipal sewage?

Municipal sewage includes sewage collected from residences, public buildings, industries, and commercial establishments. Municipal sewage is conveyed to a wastewater treatment facility.

4. What is a sanitary sewer system?

The sanitary sewer system includes all public structures (pipes, lift stations, sewer lines and manholes) in the wastewater collection system designed to convey municipal sewage to a wastewater treatment facility. If a pipe conveys water which needs to be treated, it is a sanitary sewer.

5. How are repair requests prioritized?

Requests are prioritized based on three criteria: public health and/or safety, environmental impact, and severity of the problem requiring repair.

6. What should a customer do when a sewage backup occurs in the home/yard, etc.?

If you experience a sewer problem, please call Public Works at 708-352-2922 from 7 a.m. to 3 p.m. weekdays. After hours of operation or on weekends/holidays, call the police department's non-emergency phone number at 708-352-2151. The Public Works supervisor will be notified.

7. Who is responsible for cleaning up sewage spills, overflows, etc.?

Spills on private property or inside a private building are the responsibility of the property owner. The Village maintains its sewers on a regular basis but because there is no way to control inappropriate debris placed into the sewer, the Illinois Tort Immunity Act exempts the Village from fault of sewer backups when there is no knowledge of the blockage or negligence on the part of the Village.

8. How often should residential sewer pipes be rodded?

Sewer pipes would benefit from rodding every 18 to 24 months depending on the maturity of trees and landscaping. It is recommended that multiple quotes be solicited with any size plumbing job. The Village does not recommend plumbing service companies.

9. I still need help, who do I call?

Please call Public Works at 708-352-2922.

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Public Works - Water Meters

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1. Why do water meters need to be replaced?

Many of the water meters are over 20 years old and have exceeded their useful life. Water meters and their registers often lose accuracy as they age resulting in lost revenue and unaccounted for water loss that exceeds industry and regulatory standards.

2. My meter works fine, does it have to be upgraded?

Yes, the Water Meter Replacement Program is mandatory for all water users. In order to take advantage of the new technology, efficiencies, and cost-savings that the Automatic Meter Reading (AMR) system will provide, the majority of water meters in the Village will be changed out. Numerous households over the last few years have had water meters replaced with the new meters being used in the project - those houses will only require installation of communication devices.

3. How does the new meter reading system work?

Water meter readings will be automatically transmitted to the Village thus eliminating the need to manually read each meter. The data from the water meter will be transmitted wirelessly on a licensed radio frequency to a central monitoring system located on top of Village Hall.

4. Who will install the meter?

United Meters Inc., of Morris, Illinois a licensed plumbing contractor will complete the installation of the new meters and the corresponding communication device located on the outside of the property. Residents are encouraged to contact the Village Police Department if you have any concerns about the installer.

5. Will the installer need to come inside my house?

Yes, since the water meter is located inside your house the installer will need access to the meter in order to remove the old meter and install the new meter.

6. What will the installer do inside my house?

First the installers will need to turn off the water service to your property. The installers will then remove the old meter and install the new meter. The corresponding communication device located on the outside of the property will also be replaced. The property owner and installer will be required to sign off on the final reading of the old meter and the first reading for the new meter. Additionally, the installer will provide you with an emergency phone number in the event you have questions or concerns after the installation.

7. What if I am a tenant and do not own this property?

If you are a tenant, you will be asked to provide the installer with access to the meter. The notification letters are sent to the service address on file in the water billing software. However, if you are a tenant and receive the letter we ask that you notify the owner of the property about the notification letter you received.

8. How long will the meter installation take?

The contractor anticipates the installation process will take between 30 minutes to an hour. In order to replace the water meter your water service will need to be temporarily shut off. Please be advised that there may be some trapped air or slight discoloration in the water line. Running your water for a few moments will clear this up and you may also hear some noise as the air exits spigots and fixtures, this is normal.

9. Will the timing of my water bills change?

There will be no change to your monthly billing period.

10. Do I have to be home for the process?

Yes, someone 18 years or older must be present during the installation.

11. How do I know that you have my reading and not someone else's?

Each radio frequency device has a unique identification number which is transmitted along with the meter reading. The unique identification number is compared to your account record to ensure that there is a match.

12. How do you know that my reading is accurate?

The new meters use the latest technology with electronic registers that are guaranteed by the manufacturer to be accurate. The new meters are 100% lead free, have no moving parts and can read water passing through the meter down to 0.03 gallon per minute. Independent testing has verified the accuracy of these meters.

13. How do I know if higher usage may be a result of a leak in my plumbing system?

The new, more accurate meter may detect small leaks that the older meter may have missed. We recommend that you check faucets for small drips and your toilet tank for small leaks in the toilet bowl. To check leaks in the toilet you can place a few drops of food coloring in your toilet tank. If the water in the bowl changes to the color of dye used in the tank, you have a leak. If you do have a leak, seek assistance from your local plumbing professional to fix all such leaks as soon as possible.

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Public Works - Water Quality

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1. What is the Village water source?

The Village of La Grange Park purchases its water from the Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission, who in turn receives its water from the City of Chicago and Lake Michigan. Lake Michigan is one of the largest and cleanest sources of fresh surface water found in the world today. Public Works is responsible for approximately 42 miles of water mains throughout the community, in addition, the water plant, reservoirs, overhead tank and pump controls are also maintained.

2. Is our tap water safe?

Yes, the water supplied to our Village meets every State and Federal regulation. If our water ever did exceed a standard you would be notified and on an annual basis the Water Quality Report available to every person paying a water bill. View the Consumer Confidence Reports or call Public Works at 708-352-2922 to receive a copy by mail.

3. Do I need a water filter?

No, the water you receive from your tap is safe to drink and has already been filtered through granular activated carbon and fine sand.

4. Should I buy bottled water?

In general, no. There are no health benefits to drinking bottled water compared to tap water. Your water is tested for more kinds of bacteria and contaminants and is tested much more often than bottled water. Tap water is held to higher standards than bottled water and treatment plants use the same water treatment technology available to bottled water producers, in addition, tap water is much less expensive. Bottled water does offer advantages to those who prefer the taste of a specific kind of water or to people on the go who don’t have time or forget to fill a sports bottle with tap water.

5. Why does the water sometimes smell or taste like chlorine?

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the United State Environmental Protection Agency require that all water plants disinfect the water. The Chicago Water Department uses chlorine for this purpose adding a minimal amount assuring the water remains safe as it travels from the treatment plant to homes. 

If you are sensitive to chlorine in your water, a carbon filter will remove all chlorine. Carbon filters must be consistently maintained to minimize bacteriological contamination of your water. Alternatively, fill a pitcher with tap water and place it in the refrigerator overnight, usually by the next day the chlorine will have evaporated out of the water. If your immune system is compromised in any way, ask your doctor about any precautions you should take when drinking bottled or tap water.

6. Does the water contain fluoride?

Yes, the Illinois Department of Public Health requires the addition of fluoride to potable water to provide children with the proper dental health care.

7. Does the water contain radon?

No, radon is virtually non-detectable in surface water supplies such as Lake Michigan.

8. Does my water contain lead?

The water that Brookfield-North Riverside Water Commission delivers to the Village contains no detectable lead. Lead in tap water typically comes from the service pipe that enters a building or the plumbing within the building. Newer homes typically do not have lead service pipes or lead containing plumbing. Because homeowners, typically own the service pipe leading into their building and the plumbing within it, they should consult with a licensed plumber and/or consult with their Public Works department if they are concerned. View U.S. EPA guidance to reduce lead in your water.

9. What does the Village test for in the water?

The Village of La Grange Park strives to deliver a consistent, high quality drinking water to the residents. Numerous water samples are collected throughout the Village during the year to meet State and Federal water quality requirements. View the La Grange Park’s most recent annual water quality Consumer Confidence Report.

10. How do I get my water tested?

Services for water testing are available from private laboratories for a fee. The fee will vary depending on the field of items tested. To obtain a booklet of qualified laboratories visit the Illinois Environmental Protections Agency, Division of Laboratories website or call them at 217-782-6455.

11. Why are there water restrictions?

By contract of receiving Lake Michigan water each utility has to enact indoor and outdoor water restrictions. Indoor restrictions include plumbing codes that require the installation of water conserving fixtures. Outdoors, residents are restricted in water sprinkling during the hottest time of the day to minimize evaporation. The code restrictions for water sprinkling. A $50 fine may be imposed for each occurrence of code infraction. View the ordinance: Title 5, Chapter 51, Article 49, Section Meters and Rates.

From May 15 through September 15, it shall be unlawful for any person to sprinkle or water lawns within the corporate limits of the village except in accordance with the following guidelines:

• Residents with even numbered homes can water on even numbered calendar days.
• Residents with odd numbered homes can water on odd numbered calendar days.

12. What is the hardness of Village tap water?

The hardness of our water is about 8 grains per gallon or 137 milligrams per liter as CaCO3. It does not change significantly.

13. Do I need to soften my water?

Generally no. Considering a water softener purchase, keep in mind a softener will remove the calcium and magnesium (hardness) from your tap water but these essential minerals will be replaced with sodium (salt) in your tap water. While this does not improve the healthfulness of your tap water, it will cut down slightly on soap and detergent use. A softener does eliminate scale build up around your kitchen and bathroom fixtures but a minimal improvement compared to the expense of a softener. 

Softeners do increase the corrosivity of water and are often implicated in increased lead and copper levels in homes with these plumbing materials. Finally, if you decide to purchase a softener, please invest the time to flush it out after being away for more than a few days. This reduces the number of nuisance bacteria that are present inside stagnant softener tanks.

14. Why is our water so warm in the summer?

The summer sun heats Lake Michigan throughout the summer months. Typically, July through September are the warm water months with our tap water reaching into the low 70 degrees Fahrenheit range (21 degrees Celsius). Winter brings about much cooler water temperatures, usually just above the freezing point. To enjoy an ice cold glass of water in the summer, collect a pitcher full and store it in the refrigerator.

15. Why is my water milky looking?

When a glass of water appears milky, let it sit and observe the cloudiness. If the cloudiness rises to the top, the milkiness is composed of air bubbles. Air bubbles in water do not make the water unsafe. They can be removed by flushing the taps in your home. There are a few possible sources of air in water including air entrapped in repaired pipes, malfunctioning water pumps or more commonly, water temperature changes, as wintertime cools Lake Michigan more air dissolves in the water. Call your Public Works department at 708-352-2992 if the cloudiness persists in your taps or settles to the bottom of a glass of water.

16. Who do I contact with billing questions?

Contact the Village Hall Water Billing Department at 708-354-0225.

17. Who do I contact about water pipes or water meters?

Call the Public Works Department at 708-352-2922.

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Public Works - Water Service

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1. What if the main shut off valve is not functioning in an emergency?

Call Public Works during hours of operation at 708-352-2922 to shut off water at the buffalo box. For assistance after hours call the Police non-emergency number at 708-352-2151.

2. Where is the shut off valve?

There are 2 main shut off valves in a line service to the home. One valve is located in the home next to the water meter. Additional valves may be near plumbing appliances such as sinks and toilets. The other main valve called a curb stop, is generally located in the parkway housed by a cylinder cap referred to as a buffalo box or B-Box. The home owner maintains all valves with the exception of the curb stop.

3. What is water service?

A pipe solely designed for the purpose of delivering fresh potable water to your home plumbing fixtures (i.e. sinks, toilets, showers, etc.) The pipe begins with a connection to the water main at the shutoff valve in the village right of way and extends into the house or commercial building.

4. What part of water service is the homeowner’s responsibility?

The resident is responsible for the maintenance beginning after the buffalo box and extending up through the entire home. The water meter is the property of the Village, any valves adjacent to the water meter are the resident’s responsibility to maintain.

5. Is maintenance of the shut off valve required?

A valve in good working condition will assure ease of shut off during an emergency. Older style gate valves should be turned periodically to prevent corrosion build-up. Newer Teflon coated ball valves should stay in good condition without regular required turning.

6. What if the pipes freeze?

Visit the Red Cross website for suggestions if you suspect a frozen pipe. If you are unable to locate the frozen area or not accessible, call a licensed plumber. Never try and thaw a pipe with a blowtorch or other open flame device. All open flame devices present a serious fire danger and risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide.

7. Why are there utility flags in my parkway?

All excavators are required to contact Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators (JULIE) prior to digging allowing underground cables and pipes to be identified and undisturbed during an excavation.

8. Why is the water bill high?

Leaking toilets and faucets, malfunctioning water softeners and water powered sump pumps can cause most high water bills. Plumbing fixtures should be checked regularly. Check the toilet flush valve by adding food coloring to the flush tank and observe if color is present without flushing, concluding the flapper valve likely leaks if color is present in the bowl.

9. Who do I contact for water billing questions?

Contact the Village Hall Water Billing Department at 708-354-0225.

10. Who do I contact about the water quality?

Call the Public Works department at 708-352-2922.