Public Works Information
Public Works Water Division Public Works Water Division

The Water Division is responsible for maintenance of safe drinking water and fire protection services for your home. They maintain and repair all water mains, valves, fire hydrants, water plants, wells and water storage tanks. They either test water samples or collect water samples regularly for testing.

The Water Division does not include the billing portion of your water/sewer bills but may assist the water billing clerk with meter reading and issuing water turn off notices. They also assist in snow removal operations and have installed several system improvements.

Click here the City of McHenry Water Quality Report

2012 Fall Hydrant Flushing

The city will begin its spring hydrant flushing operation throughout the city on April 16, 2012 for a two week period ending April 27, 2012.  Should a delay arise, the flushing operation will be completed the week of April 30, 2012.  Hydrant flushing is necessary to clean and maintain the water distribution system.  During the flushing period water can become discolored. If this occurs, run your cold water tap for a few minutes until the water clears. If this does not correct the problem, wait approximately an hour and try again. Do not run your hot water until the cold water tap has cleared. This discoloration is not hazardous to human consumption; however, clothing can become stained during laundering.  Should you have any questions, please call the Public Works Department at 815-363-2186.

    Water Division is supervised by
  • Mike Palmer - Superintendent
  • Steve Wirch - Assistant Water Superintendent

Safe Water Well Initiative

The City of McHenry is partnering with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) and the Illinois Department of Public Health to inform residents of the importance of having private wells tested. In recent years, volatile organic compounds (VOCs) have been found in groundwater in many areas of the state. Groundwater is the source of drinking water for private wells and the IEPA began a private well owner awareness campaign for education about the issue of VOCS in groundwater and well safety.

Is your water bill high? You may have a leak. Click here for information on water leaks.

Do you have a water leak? You could be throwing money away. A dripping faucet or fixture can waste 3 gallons a day ... a total of 1095 gallons a year.

water Leak Savings Chart

A continuous leak from holes of the size on the left would, over a three month period, waste water in the amounts shown above.


Don't let your toilet waste water...

1. A silent leak in your toilet can waste several thousand gallons of high quality water each year and place an unnecessary demand on your sewer system or septic tank. Usually you cannot hear the leak because it runs slowly out of the tank

2. Follow these simple step to see if your toilet leaks.  Lift the lid from your toilet tank and place 3 or 4 drops of ordinary food coloring into the tank. Do not use dye, it could stain your toilet.  Do not flush or disturb the toilet for at lease 1-2 hours.  At the end of the waiting period observe the toilet bowl.  If the color you placed in the tank shows up in the bowl, you have a leak.

3. How do you fix a leaking toilet?  Most frequently, leaks in toilets are caused by a defective flush valve. A flush valve is a flap or ball plunger device that is supposed to act as a stopper in the bottom of your toilet tank. After several years and many flushings, the stopper can be knocked out of shape or simply become worn out.

To solve the problem and save water, see your local hardware dealer or plumber and obtain an inexpensive and easy to install replacement valve or complete replacement kit.

Understanding Your b-box

Have you ever seen this device in your yard? This is called a "b-box" or "buffalo box". It obtained its name because the b-box originated in Buffalo, New York.

The b-box is used by the Water Division to shut water off for  customers who need to have internal repairs done and cannot have water running in their water line. It is also used to turn water off for nonpayment. Water Division employees use a special key to turn it on and off and although some plumbers acquire these keys, they are not supposed to operate this equipment.

The b-box may be located in the front parkway in the grass, or rear yard depending on the location of the water main, which makes it a common casualty of lawn mowers if it has raised up out of the ground. This displacement happens as a result of ground movement (cold to hot and hot to cold weather). When needed, the Water Division will come out and either raise the b-box to grade or lower it to grade. Sometimes they are located in the sidewalk and a few other places but these are not the normal places.

If your b-box has been damaged or other water issues are occurring, please contact us during normal working hours Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 3:30 p.m.   If you have an emergency situation, i.e. need your water turned off immediately after hours, please call the McHenry Police Department at 815-363-2200.