Why do I need a new water service?
Often when new construction or remodeling is done in an existing home, the existing water service size is rendered inadequate by new plumbing fixtures such as powder rooms, hot tubs/jacuzzi's, lavatories, laundry rooms, or shower and tub combinations.
To insure that your new fixtures have adequate water pressure and velocity, the Building Department and Engineering Division will review the plans and size all services according to the State of Illinois Plumbing Code.
If deemed necessary, we inform the contractor, architect, engineer, and homeowner that a new service line and/or meter are needed. This work also often removes old lead service lines to older homes and/or brings homes with service lines which are not in compliance with Glenview code (less than 1" diameter) into compliance. Note: new water meters shall not be located in crawlspaces.
Who does my new water tap?
The Village Water Department will do the new water tap after they have confirmation that you or your contractor have paid the appropriate fees. (see fee schedule included below)
If you are replacing a lead service line under emergency conditions (you have an on-going leak in your line) contact the Water Department at Public Works (847-657-3030) to discuss the procedure and payment options.
NOTE: IF water mains exist in both the front AND rear of a property, the new water tap shall be made on the main at the front of the property, regardless of where the old water tap is located. The old water tap on the main in the rear must still be disconnected and inspected before the new water tap is done.
To schedule a water tap with the Village: Two phone calls are necessary. Call Public Works (847.657.3030) at least 48 hours in advance to schedule a water tap with them. Note that the Water Department does not do water taps on Mondays. Second, when a time for your water tap has been scheduled with Public Works, call the Inspection number in the Building Department to get your water tap on the inspector's schedule: 847.904.4320
Are separate water meter(s) for irrigation system(s) allowed?
Sanitary sewer charges will be billed to the property owner unless a separate and dedicated water service line (and meter) from the main are installed for the irrigation system. The meter shall be located in a vault or meter pit. Care should be taken during the design phase to plan for an appropriate number of "zones" so as to avoid undue pressure on the water meter.
For more information contact the Water Department at Public Works: 847-657-3030. Or visit the Water Division at Public Works Department webpage.
What else should I know about installing a water irrigation system on my property?
Your contractor should carefully check the capacity of your current service line and meter to determine whether the proposed irrigation system can utilize the existing water service line and meter (again, sanitary sewer charges as described in the previous question will apply),
-OR-
if you will need to upgrade your water service. The contractor should determine a proper number of "zones" to use.
Some residents prefer not to pay the sanitary sewer charges. However, the cost savings attributed to installing a separate water line and meter for irrigation in order to avoid these charges is minimal.
Glenview does not allow "T" connections inside the home upstream of the residential meter for the purpose of connecting an irrigation meter.
Can my water service disconnection be made at the "b-box"?
No. Service line must be disconnected at the water main.
Can I disconnect my existing sanitary service line at the property line?
No. All service disconnections--including sanitary sewer--must be done at the main itself. If you plan to "re-line" a sanitary sewer service line refer to the plan requirements under the "Grading and Landscaping" heading--see the question "What should my site/grading plan include?" and click on the addendum at the bottom of that page titled "Notes for Engineers, General Contractors, and Homeowners. " This link contains information on "re-lining" work.
What do I do with the well or septic system on my property?
Please note the location of any well or septic field on your site/grading plan. The well must be disconnected from the home completely before a connection to the Village water supply will be allowed. This is to prevent contamination of the municipal water supply. If you wish to retain your well and use it for irrigation purposes you must note this on your site/grading plan.
Contact the Health Department for further guidance on this matter: 847-904-4340. Or visit the Health Department of development department.
How close can my fence contractor place my fence to the pipe(s) in the utility easement on my property?
Fence posts shall not be located closer than five feet (5') horizontally from the outside of any Village pipe in the utility easement. If submitting for a fence permit under the above condition, be sure to note this on your plans.
Who has the right to work in the utility easement on my property?
Any public utility or private contractor has the legal right to do work within any public utility easement under the following conditions:
1) Notification of any work must be made in a timely manner; at least 48 hours prior to work being done, and
2) The utility/contractor must immediately restore the land to its previous condition after work is completed.
Please note that restoration does NOT include landscaping or any other items (such as irrigation systems) placed within easements on your property. Only pre-approved items are to be placed in public easements, and then only after a hold harmless agreement between the homeowner and Village has been signed. Such an agreement informs the homeowner that should the irrigation system or fence--for example--be damaged in the course of work within the easement, the homeowner shall bear the cost of repairs and replacement.
Note: Hold-Harmless letters may not be faxed to homeowners for signature. For Cook County recording purposes, only the original document on Glenview letterhead can be submitted and recorded.
What is a "drainage easement"?
Areas specifically called out as drainage easements on a plat of survey may not be landscaped or otherwise changed in any way. No permanent structures are allowed in drainage easements (i.e. sheds, garages). These areas have been dedicated and designed specifically to convey water through a larger subdivision area and drain multiple lots upstream. Small changes on an individual lot will have unforseen consequences for residents upstream. If you wish to do any work in a drainage easement you must submit an engineered plan for permit to the Engineering Division for review and approval.
What types of escrows are assessed by the Engineering Division?
- Any opening of any Glenview owned and maintained street for the purposes of any utility disconnection, new utility (including water, sanitary, sump pump) connection, or other work.
- Any opening of Glenview parkway for the above purposes,
- New driveway or new 'curb cut' for new depressed curb,
- Installation of decorative driveway or walkway materials (i.e. brick) in the Village right-of-way,
- Replacement of existing curb or sidewalk squares, and
- Others at Engineer Division discretion.
Why do I have to pay an escrow, even if I am not digging in/thru the pavement?
Escrows are collected to ensure that any disturbed areas are returned to their proper condition. The Village right-of-way includes not only the pavement, but the parkways (aka "Terraces" or "Terrace-ways") on either sides of the pavement. Your plat of survey will clearly delineate your property line in relation to the pavement.
In cases where (a) public walkway(s) exist(s), the Village usually owns all land between the public walks and a one foot strip along the outside edge (property owners side) of both public walks. Thus, any work to be done in this area requires collection of a "street/parkway opening" escrow because this land is owned by the Village.
Why is the Village so strict when my contractor needs to cut through the street?
Because cutting of any street damages the surface and sub-base, and increases maintenance costs for the Village, and ultimately, for taxpayers. Over time, cutting of the pavement will result in an uneven road surface, with areas settling and even forming potholes as water infiltrates the crack(s) and repeatedly freezes and thaws during the winter/spring cycle. The Vilage is very strict about street cutting so that road conditions will remain as good as possible for as long as possible.