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Ambulance Services

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1. How do I obtain a copy of my ambulance report?: Fill out a Freedom of Information Act Request by contacting our Village Records Department at (630) 368-5058 or by viewing the details on the following page. Freedom of Information Act Request

2. How do I obtain a copy of my ambulance bill?: If you were transported from a location here in Oak Brook by Oak Brook paramedics and your pick-up location was not on one of the toll roads, you may contact our billing services at (800) 244-2345 for a duplicate bill.

3. Due to ambulance service I received, someone just called me. Now what do I do?: It was our billing services who had contacted you, requesting your insurance information. They will need all necessary insurance information to continue. Please call them at (800) 244-2345.

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Finance

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1. Why doesn’t my water bill get forwarded to my winter address with my other mail?: The Village requests that any mail that is not deliverable is returned to us so that we can update our records with the current mailing information. If you reside at the same winter address we can program your billing so that it automatically gets mailed to your winter address for the months that you’re there. We now have the capability to email you your water bill so that no matter where you are you can access it via your email. Call (630) 368-5090 or email waterbilling@oak-brook.org and provide your water billing account number, service address, name and email address to take advantage of this alternative.

2. Can I pay my water bill over the phone?: At this time, the Village of Oak Brook does not have the capability to take a payment over the phone. You can make a payment with MasterCard, American Express or Discover via our website, using the Epay logo.

3. Where can I pay my water bill?: You can pay your water bill in person with cash, check or money order at the Butler Government Center at 1200 Oak Brook Road, Monday through Friday from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. You may drop your check or money order in our drop-box in the Southeast corner of the parking lot at any time, or mail your payment to the Village of Oak Brook, Post Office Box 5033, Oak Brook, IL 60522. Customers can also pay online with Epay, or receive $1.00/month credits to their bill when they sign up to have their payment automatically deducted from your bank account by filling out an Auto Pay Request Form.

See Payment Methods for more information.

4. What is the water billing rate?: The 2012 resident rate water billing is $5.65 per 1,000 gallons and the non-resident rate is $7.05 per 1,000 gallons. There is a $7.33 per month service charge.

5. What is the hardness of Oak Brook water?: 8.5 grains or 144 parts per million.

6. What hours are you open?: The water billing desk is open from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

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Fire

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1. How do I obtain a copy of my ambulance report?: Fill out a Freedom of Information Act Request by contacting our Village Records Department at (630) 368-5058 or by viewing the details on the following page. Freedom of Information Act Request

2. How do I obtain a copy of my ambulance bill?: If you were transported from a location here in Oak Brook by Oak Brook paramedics and your pick-up location was not on one of the toll roads, you may contact our billing services at (800) 244-2345 for a duplicate bill.

3. I work here in Oak Brook and would like to set up a CPR class for my employees, who should I contact?: Please contact our Public Education Department at (630) 368-5220 or (630) 368-5224.

4. Can the firefighters come out and fill my swimming pool up with their hoses?: Unfortunately, the water from a hydrant or which is held inside the tank of our vehicles has a lot of corrosion and is not water that you want inside your pool.

5. Can the firefighters come out and remove water from my basement?: Unfortunately, we do not have the necessary equipment to remove water from residents basements, due to flooding.

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Fire Prevention

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1. What do I need to submit for a Fire Alarm Permit?: We need to receive two sets of drawings, two sets of cut sheets, and a low voltage electrical permit application needs to be filled out and submitted to the Fire Prevention Bureau.

2. What do I need to submit for a Sprinkler Permit?: We need to receive two sets of drawings, two sets of cut sheets, and two sets of either hydraulic calculations or pipe schedule, along with your contact information on a transmittal sheet.

3. How many heads added or relocated are required to do a hydro test?: Ten heads

4. I only moved six heads do I still need to submit for permit?: Yes, four or more heads requires that a permit is applied for.

5. How long does it take to get my drawings reviewed?: 7 - 14 business days

6. How much does a Fire Alarm or Sprinkler Plan Review Permit cost?: After your drawings are reviewed and approved we will call you with the fee. The permit fee, which includes inspections, plan review, application and compliance fees will vary based on plan review and the number of inspections you will need. Average costs are $300 plus $4 per opening.

7. Where do I mail my drawings?: Oak Brook Fire Department, Fire Prevention Bureau
1200 Oak Brook Road
Oak Brook, IL 60523

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Public Education

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1. I would like to take a CPR class. Where do I sign up?: We schedule classes at the Oak Brook Park District for residents as well as non-residents. Please call (630) 990-4233 to check for availability.

2. I work here in Oak Brook and would like to set up a CPR class for my employees, who should I contact?: Please contact our Public Education Department at (630) 368-5220 or (630) 368-5224.

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Water Quality

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1. Where does my water come from?: The source for all village water is Lake Michigan . The water treatment process is conducted at the City of Chicago's Jardine Water Purification Plant. Oak Brook then purchases its water from the DuPage Water Commission (DWC). In the year 2011, a total of 1,060,128,000 gallons of water were pumped from the three receiving stations, averaging 2,904,000 gallons per day. The village also maintains three deep wells for emergency purposes. The wells are routinely operated and tested to ensure a safe supply of water if needed.

2. What causes the "musty" taste and odor in the water?: The Village of Oak Brook Water Department typically receives an increase in taste and odor complaints during the summer months when water temperatures increase. Most complaints generally are that the water has an earthy, musty smell and taste. This is generally the result of compounds produced by blue-green algae and other vegetation found in Lake Michigan. Taste and odors may be more noticeable when the lake water gets warmer. Refrigerating the water will minimize the taste and odors. The presence of taste and odors does not affect the safety of the drinking water. The Chicago Water Department adds powdered activated carbon (PAC) to the water at the Jardine Water Purification Plant. The application rate of PAC is based upon the concentration of water vegetation and the number of taste and odor complaints received.

Residents are urged to contact the village with any taste and odor complaints. Once received, they are forwarded to the DuPage Water Commission, who then logs them with the City of Chicago Water Department. When there is a rise in complaints, they increase their treatment. However, due to the distance, it takes approximately 24 hours for the DuPage Water Commission to receive the water. It then takes another 24 hours to get into the village's distribution system. We also suggest residents refrigerate their drinking water. The decreased temperature helps alleviate the problem.

3. Why does my water sometimes smell or taste like chlorine?: Chlorine is added to drinking water for several reasons. First and foremost, the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and the United State Environmental Protection Agency require that all water plants disinfect the water. The Chicago Water Department uses chlorine for this purpose. Second, a minimal amount of chlorine is added to assure that the water remains safe as it travels from the treatment plant to your home. A few individuals, who are sensitive to chlorine, can detect the chlorine taste and odor at these low levels.

4. What do you test for in the water?: Oak Brook strives to deliver a consistent, high quality, drinking water. Many steps must be taken to attain this goal. Daily monitoring is conducted at all three receiving stations. Numerous water samples are collected throughout the village during the year to meet State and Federal water quality requirements. If you would like to view the Comprehensive Chemical Analysis form, please visit DuPage Water Commission - Comprehensive Chemical Analysis.

Oak Brook water in the annual Consumer Confidence Report. Updated June 2010 most recent Water Quality Report.

5. How can I have my water tested?: Services for water testing are available from private laboratories for a fee. This fee varies greatly depending on the number of constituents you would like tested for. To obtain a booklet of qualified laboratories call the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency, Division of Laboratories, at (217) 782-6455.

6. Do water filters work and should I use one?: As with most products, some filters works better than others. There are many types of filters available, each type works differently and will remove different substances from the water. It will be very helpful for you to know exactly why you want to filter the water before you speak to the seller of water treatment devises. If you choose to filter your water, there are several resources available to you to assist in choosing a filter that works properly and will meet your needs. Consumer Reports Magazine occasionally will compare types of water filters and explain which types remove which constituents. They also compare various models and report on which ones work the best. A list of National Sanitation Foundation (NSF) approved water treatment devices is available by calling the NSF at (800) 673-8010.

Please note: If you do install a water filter, follow the operating and maintenance instructions very carefully. An improperly installed and / or maintained filter can adversely affect the water quality. Regardless if you choose to use a water filter or not, the water provided by the Village of Oak Brook meets all State and Federal drinking water standards

7. Do I need to treat the water before I use it for my fish?: Yes. Your drinking water contains disinfectants to inhibit bacterial growth. These disinfectants can kill fish. The water supplied by the Village of Oak Brook contains chlorine. Adding the appropriate chemicals, which are available at most pet stores, can neutralize chlorine. Chlorine can also be removed with a granular activated carbon (GAC) water filter. Chlorine can also be removed from the water by letting a container of the water sit exposed to the atmosphere (uncovered) for at least 48 hours. Some fish, particularly tropical fish and Koi, are also sensitive to rapid changes in the temperature and pH of the water - even small changes. If you are going to change the water in an aquarium or pond, or add a significant amount of new water, consult an experienced fish care expert for tips on how to accomplish this without shocking or killing your fish.

Some people may be concerned that water harmful to fish might not be safe for them to drink. This concern is not necessary. Humans and fish use water in very different ways. When humans drink water, the chlorine is neutralized by our digestive system before it enters our bloodstream. When fish "breathe" water, any chlorine present enters their bloodstream directly. This interferes with the fish's ability to absorb oxygen from the water and can cause the fish to suffocate.

8. Does the water contain fluoride?: Yes. In Illinois, the Department of Public Health requires the addition for fluoride to potable water to provide children with the proper dental health care. Fluoride in drinking water is primarily absorbed into the blood stream and deposited on the teeth of children up to the age of about eight.

9. How hard is my water and should I use a water softener?: Dissolved minerals make water hard; as the amount of minerals in the water increases, the water becomes harder. Two common minerals found dissolved in drinking water are calcium carbonate and magnesium carbonate. There is usually much more calcium carbonate than magnesium carbonate present in water; therefore, water hardness is reported as the amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) dissolved in the water. There are two units of measurement for hardness commonly used in the United States , grains per gallon and milligrams per liter of calcium carbonate (mg/L as CaCO3). The conversion factor is 17.1 mg / L as CaCO3 = one grain of hardness per gallon. Oak Brook's water is about eight grains per gallon or 137 mg / L as CaCO3. Average well water hardness is approximately 20 to 21 grains per gallon or 340 mg / L as CaCO3.

Water softening is the process of removing the minerals from the water and is commonly accomplished by either reverse osmosis filtration or ion exchange. Reverse osmosis filtration units can handle only small volumes of water and is usually performed at a single point of use, such as the kitchen sink. Ion exchange units can handle large volumes of water and are usually installed on the incoming water supply line to a property. Ion exchange systems exchange sodium ions for the calcium and magnesium ions in the water. Medical studies show that people who live in areas with hard water have reduced occurrences of cardiovascular illness compared to people who live in areas with soft water. You should consult your physician before making artificially softened water your primary source of drinking water.

10. Do I have radon in the water?: No. Radon is virtually non-detectable in surface water supplies such as Lake Michigan.

11. Why does my water get milky white?: Milky white water, also commonly described as cloudy, hazy, soapy, or foamy, is almost always caused by air in the water. One of the many properties of water is its ability to dissolve gases-including air. Sometimes the air escapes from the water in the form of many tiny bubbles; this gives the water a milky white appearance.

To see if the white color in the water is due to air, fill a clear glass with water and set it on the counter. Observe the glass of water for two or three minutes. If the white color is due to air, the water will begin to clear at the bottom of the glass first and then gradually will clear all the way to the top. This is a natural phenomenon and is completely normal; the water is safe to use. This situation can happen when the water gets cold, or whenever the water has been turned off for repairs. Cold water holds more dissolved air than warm water. In the winter and spring, the water is cold and contains a relatively high level of dissolved air. As the water moves through the water mains in the street and the pipes in your house, it begins to warm up and lose some of its ability to keep the air dissolved. However, because the water is under pressure in the pipes, the air remains in the water. When you relieve the pressure by opening the faucet and filling your glass with water, the air is now free to escape from the water, giving it a milky appearance for a few minutes. This same set of circumstances is also why you will often see that your hot water is cloudy.

Another way for this milky white water to form is after your water utility has worked on a water main or you have had work done on your plumbing. When the water is shut off, air can get into the water main or your pipes. When the water pressure is restored, some of that air dissolves into the water. When you again relieve the pressure by opening the faucet and filling your glass, the air is now free to escape from the water thus giving it a milky white appearance for a few minutes.

If your water is cloudy or milky white in appearance and it does not clear in a glass after five minutes, you should contact the Water Department.

12. Why are there water restrictions?

As a contractual condition of receiving Lake Michigan water each utility has to enact indoor and outdoor water restrictions. The indoor water restrictions include plumbing codes that require the installation of water conserving fixtures. Outdoor water restrictions include such things as restricting water sprinkling during the hottest time of the day to minimize evaporation.

Many customers might think that because we are supplied with lake water, watering restrictions are unnecessary. This is not the case. Contractually, we are restricted to how much we can obtain through the Commission, and like the other end users of lake water, outside watering restrictions are mandated. The following are watering restrictions for the village. Please note, these restrictions were developed to insure sufficient and proper times to satisfy lawn care needs.

Odd-numbered street addresses: Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday
Even-numbered street addresses: Wednesday, Friday and Sunday
Time: 6:00 A.M. until 10:00 A.M. and 6:00 P.M. until 10:00 P.M.
No water is allowed on Monday
Customers utilizing watering cans or hand-held watering devices may water at any time on any day.
Customers with private wells are encouraged to utilize their well for all outside water usage.
Newly planted sod or seed may be sprinkled for a maximum period of two weeks from the date of installation. Please notify the village's Water Department at (630) 368-5270.

13. Who should I contact for billing questions?: Call the Water Billing Department at (630) 368-5090.

14. Who should I contact about my water pipes or water meter?: Contact the Public Works Department at (630) 368-5270 if this does not answer your questions.

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Water Service

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1. What if my main shut-off valve does not work in an emergency?: Calls should be directed to the Public Works Department, so that someone can shut off your water at the buffalo box.
Public Works: (630) 368-5270
Monday - Friday 7:00 A.M. - 3:30 P.M.

If you need assistance after the above hours, Call the Police Department at (630) 368-8700 who will contact an on-duty Water Department employee.

2. What is a water service?: A water service is a pipe that begins with a connection to the water main at the shutoff valve in the village right of way and extends into one's house or commercial building. The pipe was designed solely for the purpose of delivering fresh potable water to your home plumbing fixtures (i.e. sinks, toilets, showers, etc.)

3. Where are my shutoff valves?: There are actually two major shutoff valves in line with your service. The first valve called a curb stop, is generally located in the parkway and is normally housed by a cylinder with a cap on it called the buffalo box or "B-Box" for short. The other major valve is located in the home next to the water meter. Other valves may be near plumbing appliances such as sinks and toilets. The homeowner maintains all valves with the exception of the curb stop.

4. What part of my service are my property and my responsibility?: The resident's responsibility for maintenance begins after the buffalo box and extends up through the entire home. The water meter, however, is the property of the village. Any valves adjacent to the water meter are the property owner's responsibility to maintain.

5. What should I do if my pipes freeze?: The Red Cross website suggests, if you turn on a faucet and only a trickle comes out, suspect a frozen pipe. Locate the suspected frozen area of the water pipe. Likely places include pipes running against exterior walls or where your water service enters your home through the foundation.

Keep the faucet open, as you treat the frozen pipe and the frozen area begins to melt, water will begin to flow through the frozen area. Running water through the pipe will help melt more ice in the pipe.

Apply heat to the section of pipe using an electric heating pad wrapped around the pipe, an electric hair dryer, a portable space heater (kept away from flammable materials), or wrapping pipes with towels soaked in hot water. Do not use a blowtorch, kerosene or propane heater, charcoal stove, or other open flame device. A blowtorch can make water in a frozen pipe boil and cause the pipe to explode. All open flames in homes present a serious fire danger, as well as a severe risk of exposure to lethal carbon monoxide. Apply heat until full water pressure is restored.

If you are unable to locate the frozen area, if the frozen area is not accessible, or if you can not thaw the pipe, call a licensed plumber.

6. Should I maintain my main shutoff valve?: Keeping your main valve in good working condition will assure that you will be able to turn your water off in the event of an emergency, ie. in case one of your water pipes break, or repairs are needed. Older style gate valves should be turned periodically due to possible corrosion build-up. Newer Teflon coated ball valves should stay in working order without any regular turning.

7. Why do I have those utility flags in my parkway?: All excavators are required to contact JULIE (Joint Utility Locating Information for Excavators) prior to an excavation, so underground cables and pipes aren't damaged.

8. Why is my water bill high?: Leaking toilets cause most high water bills. Leaking faucets, malfunctioning water softeners, and water powered sump pumps are also seen as the cause of high bills. Plumbing fixtures should be checked regularly. Adding food coloring to the flush tank can check toilet flush valves, if the color is visible in the bowl without flushing, the flapper valve likely leaks.