Bill Karhliker

City Superintendent

T.J. Henson

Public Water Supply Operator

The goal of the Public Works Department is to supply the citizens of Auburn with the highest quality drinking water with as few service interruptions as possible.

The city purchases water from Otter Lake Water Commission and provides water distribution for 1,878 customers. On average the city uses 280,000 gallons of water per day. The city also maintains a 300,000 gallon elevated storage tank.

The public works department is responsible for installing and maintaining distribution mains, valves, fire hydrants and water storage.

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Self Monitoring Program

The city operates under an Illinois EPA certified Public Water Supply Operator.

The operator conducts periodic self-monitoring of the system through the sampling and testing of the drinking water. The samples are sent to a certified laboratory to analyze for the presence of microorganisms and chemicals in the finished drinking water.

The information obtained by the self-monitoring program must be routinely reported to the Illinois EPA and is summarized in an annual Consumer Confidence Report(CCR). See the 2009 CCR.

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Hydrant Flushing

The public works department flushes hydrants twice a year (spring and fall). Flushing is usually done during the morning hours. During times of flushing you may notice dirty or discolored water. It is recommended that you not do laundry during these times. Notice will be given prior to flushing hydrants.

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Boil Orders

At this time the following boil orders are in effect until further notice:

None - Posted 2/03/2012, 11:45 A.M.

General Information:

Boil orders are issued when there is an interruption in water flow due to a water main break, accidental cut, required maintenance or any time the water pressure drops below 20 p.s.i. When possible, a Group Cast call is made to those who signed up, alerting them of the boil order. Local media are also notified for those residents who are not on the call system.

A boil order means that residents in the affected area are advised to boil their water for five (5) minutes prior to drinking or cooking with it. This is a precautionary measure for residents’ protection.

Due to the required testing, the boil order remains in effect until further notice (24 hours minimum). When the results come back clear, another Group Cast call is made, lifting the boil order, and media is again notified.