Water & Sewer

The Water and Sewer division of Public Works is primarily responsible for maintenance of the water main system, sanitary and storm sewer system. Some of their service areas include:

Staff


Operations are handled by the department's Water and Sewer Supervisor and two Water Operators. These positions require special licensing from the State. 
Shot to a sewer at the edge of sidewalk

Lead Service Lines

Details on The Village's response to the Lead Service Line Replacement and Notification Act are coming soon.
Click here to download a brochure that answers frequently asked questions and provides additional background information. 



Water System


The Village of Riverside purchases its water from the city of Chicago and distributes it throughout the village using a pump system. The Village water pressure at ground level is about 42 pound per square inch (PSI). In relation to this water system, there are three subjects residents and businesses should know:

Sprinkling Restrictions


From May 15 through September 15 of each year, the mechanical sprinkling of lawns by an in-ground sprinkling system or an on-ground sprinkler attached to a hose, shall be permitted between the hours of 6 - 10 a.m. and 6 - 10 p.m.

Even numbered properties shall water on even numbered days of the month and odd numbered properties shall water on odd numbered days of the month.

Sprinkler Systems


Each homeowner with an underground lawn irrigation (sprinkler system) is required to have a reduced pressure backflow preventer (RPZ) and have it inspected annually. To learn more on sprinkler systems visit our Sprinkler Systems page.

Sewer System


The Village of Riverside is generally served by a combined sewer system, meaning it collects both 1) domestic wastewater, and 2) storm water runoff. The Village has several separate storm or relief sewers, but all eventually drain into a combined sewer system downstream. During dry periods, the flow generally fills less than 5% of the hydraulic capacity of the sewer pipe; however, sewer lines can become clogged if inappropriate material finds its way into sewer lines.  Please watch this brief, informative video produced by the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District regarding sewer lines:  No Wipes Down the Pipes.

Combined Sewer Overflow

During a significant storm event, flows could potentially exceed the capacity of the Village's sewer system. The Metropolitan Water Reclamation District (MWRD) developed the Tunnel and Reservoir Project (TARP) to relieve a Combined Sewer Overflow (CSO). For more information, please read the Combined Sewer System Overflow Manual (PDF) or MWRD's Understanding Your Sewer (PDF).  A map of Riverside's CSOs is available here.  To receive notifications of CSO events from MWRD, sign up here.

Annual Water Report


For more information about Riverside's Water System please review the Water Quality Reports and other special notices.