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1. Is Wheaton’s water safe?

All water supplied to Wheaton customers meets or exceeds state and federal regulations for drinking water. The city collects 60 bacteriological samples monthly as well as numerous other samples required by the Safe Drinking Water Act. Results of some of these samples are reported in the annual Water Quality Report, which is published on the City's website every June.

2. Why do I have low water pressure?

Most low pressure complaints are related to out-of-service water softeners. If you are no longer using your water softener, it needs to be bypassed with valves or removed from the system. Unplugging the softener doesn’t eliminate water from passing through it, and it can reduce pressure. Normal water pressure in Wheaton varies between 50 and 75 pounds per square inch. Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.

3. Why is my water bill high?

Most high bills are caused by leaking toilets. Leaking faucets, malfunctioning water softeners and water-powered sump pumps also are seen as the cause of high bills. Plumbing fixtures should be checked regularly. Toilet flush valves can be checked by adding food coloring to the flush tank, and if the color enters the bowl without flushing, the flapper valve is probably leaking. Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.

4. Who should I contact for billing complaints?

Contact the Finance Department at 630-260-2024.

5. Who should I contact to start / stop water service when moving in / out of a new house?

Contact the Finance Department at 630-260-2024.

6. When are watering restrictions in effect?

Restrictions on watering lawns run from May 15 through September 15. Buildings with an odd-numbered street address may water lawns and gardens only on days of the month having odd numbers. Buildings with an even-numbered street address may water lawns and gardens only on days of the month having even numbers. No watering is allowed between the hours of noon and 6 p.m. Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.

7. Who should I call if I have a water problem?

Call the Water Division at 630-260-2090 during business hours, which are Monday through Friday from 7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. If you need immediate assistance with a water issue after hours or on weekends, please call 9-1-1.

8. What causes the banging or popping noise in some water heaters?

Harmless minerals in water form on rough coatings inside the heater. As the water is heated up, these bubbles burst, causing a popping noise. Occasional flushing of the water heater will help to reduce this problem. Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.

9. How hard is my water?

Wheaton water, which uses Lake Michigan as its source, has a hardness of six to eight grains per gallon. Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.

10. Why does my water appear cloudy in the winter months?

This is caused by increased levels of dissolved oxygen in colder water. Lake water in the winter months can reach temperatures as low as the mid 30s. By drawing water in a clear container, you can see the air bubbles rise to the top as it clears. Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.

11. Why does my water smell in the late summer or early fall?

This musty or earthy odor/taste is caused by blue-green algae, which naturally forms in the lake. If you notice this odor, please contact us so we can forward the information to the DuPage Water Commission. The addition of activated carbon at the treatment plant usually remedies this situation. Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.

12. Why do I have utility flags in my parkway?

All excavators are required to contact J.U.L.I.E (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) prior to a dig so underground cables and pipes aren’t damaged. Dial 811 to contact J.U.L.I.E for further information.

13. The Water Division did an excavation in the parkway in front of my house. When will the landscaping be restored?

The Water Division performs landscaping restoration in the spring and fall, when weather conditions are ideal for grass seed germination. Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.

14. What is a cross-connection, and why are they a problem?

A cross-connection is a connection between a drinking water pipe and a polluted source. A common example is if you were spraying weed killer on the lawn and the water pressure dropped. The chemical could be sucked back into the water pipes through the hose. Lawn irrigation systems and hot water boilers are examples of cross-connections that require backflow preventors. Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.

15. How does the Water Department detect a leak in the distribution system piping?

1. Visual detection (water on the ground) by an employee in the field
2. A loss of pressure in an area
3. Reports by public-minded citizens
4. Listening to fire hydrants, valves and curb stops with electronic listening equipment

Contact us at 630-260-2090 for more information.