What causes the tiny air bubbles or cloudiness in my water?

This condition occurs most often when water is very cold and then warms up while in a building's interior piping. Therefore, some air comes out of solution as tiny air bubbles  when the water warms up. At times, the water may be so densely filled with air that the water appears cloudy. An easy way to check the cause of cloudiness is to fill a clear glass of water, set it on a table and watch. If the cloud rises from bottom to top, it is air  escaping as the water warms. If the cloud sinks from the top to the bottom, you may have a sediment problem. If you believe that you have a sediment problem, please contact the Public Works Department.

Annual testing of backflow prevention assembly (RPZ) is required prior to operating the lawn sprinkling system. The Village of Orland Park has contracted BSI Online to handle notification and record keeping of residential and commercial users. Resident notification will begin going out in March of each year. Please do not disregard these letters. All residential devices must be tested by June 1. If records do not show a tested and compliant device per Chapter 11 Section 4.11.6 of the Village Code, Public Works will take precautionary measures and turn off water supply until device is compliant or has been removed from service.

Options:

1. Test device annually and use the lawn sprinkling system

2. Don't use the lawn sprinkling system

• Licensed Cross-Connection plumber or plumber can permanently remove device at the main line by "capping". Pictures and a brief note from the plumber can be sent to BSI or Public Works verifying device is no longer in service. BSI will then remove resident from the system and notifications will no longer be sent.
• If reconnection is needed in the future, resident will be responsible for notifying Public Works so they can be added back on the notification list.

3. Resident has the last option of converting connection to a garden spigot.

Illinois State Plumbing Code on Backflow Prevention

 The Village of Orland Park follows the Illinois State Plumbing Code. Per Part 890 of the State Plumbing Code, please note the following requirement concerning backflow preventers (RPZs):

• Section  890.1140(d) states that any lawn sprinkler system connected to a potable water supply shall be equipped with a reduced pressure principle backflow preventer assembly (RPZ). The RPZ may be located outside provided it is protected from freezing or is removed at the end of the season, and it conforms with section 890.1130(g)(1) (see below).
• Section 890.1130(g)(1) states that backflow preventer assemblies and devices shall be installed to be accessible for observation, maintenance, and replacement services. It also states that backflow preventer devices or assemblies shall not be  installed where they would be subject to freezing conditions, except as allowed in Section 890.1140(d) above.
• Section 890.1130(b) states that all devices and assemblies for the prevention of backflow shall comply with the standards listed in Appendix A, Table A of the State Plumbing Code. All reduced pressure principle, reduced pressure detector, double check and double check detector backflow prevention assemblies shall be tested and approved by a cross-connection control device inspector before initial operation, and at least annually thereafter. Records to verify testing and maintenance shall be available at the site of installation.

Water Fill Station

A water fill station is available to the contractors doing work in the Village of Orland Park. The water fill station is located at Public Works, 15655 S Ravinia Avenue, north of the main building, in the north entrance for the fuel pumps. The cost of bulk water is $9.67 for 1,000 gallons. A credit card is needed to pay for the water.

Instructions for using the keypad

1. To pay by credit or debit card, first hit the START key.

2. Enter in the desired volume and hit ENTER.

3. The total $ amount will be displayed prompting the used to swipe or tap a card for payment.

4. Insert or tap & hold credit or debit card.

5. User can pre-request a RECEIPT, PAUSE (120s max) or STOP a fill.

6. Fill complete. The card charges are displayed and a RECEIPT option appears.

ComEd Emergency
If you have an electric emergency it is important to call ComEd immediately. Never e-mail your emergency request. If you need to report an emergency situation such as a fire, vehicle accident, electric contact/shock, or other potential danger, please call 911 to notify local authorities.

Storm Center
When the storms roll in, ComEd is ready to keep you up to date on our outage restorations. Visit the ComEd Storm Center to get the latest information on outages in the service territory, view the outage map, and report an outage.

Outage Map
With ComEd’s outage map, customers can view all outages in the ComEd service area at once and zoom in and get details on specific areas, such as the estimated restoration time and status of crews working to resolve problems. Icons are color-coded to indicate the number of customers affected by each incident.

Outage Alerts
Need to report an outage? Text the word OUT to 26633 (ComEd) and get updates until your power is restored. Visit the ComEd website and sign up for the Outage Alert Program.

For More Information
Contact ComEd

To Report Nicor Emergencies  

888-Nicor4U(642-6748)

For Billing Information

888-Nicor4U(642-6748)

For Nicor Gas Energy Efficiency Program

888-886-4239

The Village of Orland Park is required by the State of Illinois to routinely monitor for lead which has not, and is not, currently found within the drinking water supply. Under certain circumstances however, lead can enter your drinking water through the corrosion of the lead water service pipe and/or plumbing found in your home. When consumed, lead can be harmful to human health, especially younger children and women who are pregnant and can have adverse health effects under prolonged exposure. For more information on lead exposure and its health effects, please visit the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s (CDC) website at the following website: www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/prevention/health-effects.htm

Additional information regarding lead water service lines can be found in this brochure: Lead Brochure

Lead and copper draft replacement plan

Lead Sample Collection Field Guide for School and Child Care Facilities

EPA Tips for Reducing Lead in Drinking Water in Schools and Child Care Facilities

Educational Video: "No Wipes Down the Pipes"

In this educational video titled "No Wipes Down the Pipes!," Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago President Kari K. Steele demonstrates how various products do not break down or dissolve sufficiently in water, and as a result, those materials can clog pipes in homes and cause sewer backups.

Prevent Water Freeze-Ups

Tips for Preventing Water Freeze-Ups

Preventative maintenance before the setting chill of winter prevents a lot of frustration and expensive repair. Taking a few minutes outside can keep aggravation to a minimum.

• Boats and Campers: Orland Park residents with boats and campers that have seen the final days of summer should be sure to follow the manufacturer's instructions for wintering.
• Floor Drains with P-Traps: Homes with floor drains with P-traps located in areas that are subject to freezing, like unheated garages or area ways, should add a small amount of automobile antifreeze or salt brine solution to the P-trap.
• Frost Proof Spigots: Residents with homes without frost-proof spigots must close the interior valves in the basement or crawl space, followed by opening the spigot, allowing  it to drain properly.
• Garden Hoses: Remove the garden hose from the outside frost-proof spigot. Leaving the hose connected prevents all of the water from draining, making the spigot vulnerable to freezing and breaking.
• Interior Water Lines: When the temperatures become extreme enough, some underground service lines, interior water lines and waste water lines can freeze. During extreme cold spans, check to make sure pipes that are near exterior walls in crawl spaces and basements are protected from drafts.
• Lawn Sprinkler Systems: Residents with lawn sprinkler systems that are equipped with an RPZ valve (reduced backflow pressure valve) should remove the valve before winter to prevent freezing and subsequent breakage. Once the RPZ valve is removed, drain all the water from it and store it in a heated area. In the spring, be sure to have the RPZ valve retested once is has been reinstalled.
• Running Water and Anti-Freeze: It may help to leave a small trickle of water running at a kitchen and/or bathroom faucet to prevent freeze-ups. Also, to protect them, you may want to add some biodegradable anti-freeze to floor drains in unheated areas.
• Swimming Pools: Those with above-ground or in-ground swimming pools should be sure should be sure to drain down the pool heater and turn off the gas. Be sure to also drain down the pool's filter and pump.

Orland Park's Water Conservation Program is in effect May 14th to September 16th allowing watering even - odd days (based on address) from 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. Outside of those dates even - odd don't apply but following 7:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. or 7:00 p.m. - 11:00 p.m. is still in effect.

Apply For New Landscaping Watering Permit

This project is the second phase of the Catalina improvement plan that began last year with the watermain lining. This phase will see work done on both the local watermains and storm sewers as both systems are upgraded to better meet the needs of local residents. Unlike the lining work performed in 2023, the water and sewer mains will be fully replaced. As a result, there will be greater impacts to local traffic as work is conducted in the roads, but affected residents will not need to be placed on a temporary water service system. Crews will begin mobilizing in early April, with work to begin shortly thereafter. This year’s efforts will focus on the western portion of the Catalina neighborhood while the remaining eastern portion is scheduled to be finished in 2025.

Temporary asphalt patching will be put over the affected roadways at the end of this year’s project while more extensive road resurfacing will take place during 2025 as part of the Village’s Road Improvement Program.

UPDATE (8/21/2025): Hemlock Drive has been fully restored in time for the new school season. Landscape restorations throughout the project area have begun and sod has already been installed in many locations. Crews are working on resident water service transfers on Catalina Drive and Halesia Court and hope to have all remaining transfers complete by the end of September.

Resident Notification Letter

In 2023, Public Works began a multi-year effort to restore and naturalize the Municipal Basin between Ravinia Avenue and West Avenue, also known as the Ravinia Creek Wetland. This project was broken into two phases – one phase to remove the existing invasive plant species and another to bring in native plant species to repopulate the wetland. Our contractor, Davey Resource Group, kicked off the first phase by mowing down a significant portion of the invasive phragmites reeds that dominated the wetland and then performed a controlled burn to destroy the remaining stalks.

UPDATE (4/21/25): The third controlled burn at the wetland has been completed. Now, Davey Resource Group will begin planting native seed species and working throughout the year to promote their growth. By Summer of next year the wetland should be full of new, healthier wild grasses and flowers.

Resident Notification Letter

2025 Sanitary Manhole Rehabilitation Project Begins This Week

The Village of Orland Park has selected Airys Inc., with subcontractor Hoerr Construction, to perform sanitary manhole rehabilitation across the community.

• Work Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 AM–5 PM
• Duration: 2–3 months
• No disruption to sanitary service expected

To keep residents informed, Public Works staff personally delivered a letter to every home with a manhole located either in the backyard or front parkway. 

Questions? Contact Nick Hedges (Airys Inc.) at 708-429-0660 or Public Works at 708-403-6350.

Project area map

Resident notification

The Village of Orland Park has selected Sewertech LLC to clean and televise sewers in your area. The work will be starting in September 2025.

• Work Hours: Mon–Fri, 7 AM–5 PM and possible some Saturdays
• Duration: 2–3 months
• No disruption to sanitary service expected

To keep residents informed, the Village will send a notice out 48 hours prior to the contractor coming.

Project area map

Resident notification

If you notice any sign of what you think might be a water main break or leak, report it to the Village of Orland Park.  During business hours, please call the Public Works Department at (708) 403-6350. Outside of business hours, please call the non-emergency police number at (708) 349-4111.

When calling to report a break or leak, please have this information ready:

• The location – street name and address
• Is there damage – flooding, road damaged, etc.
• How much water are they seeing, from a minor trickle to a major flow

• Your water is suddenly flowing much more slowly
• Your water looks dirty, has noticeable sediment, or has a rusty discoloration
• You see flooding or pooling in the lower places of your home

A water main is a large pipe that transports clean water to the homes and businesses that the Village serves. Many mains run underneath roadways. In total, the Orland Park Public Works Department maintains approximately 350 miles of main lines to move clean, treated water to the more than 25,000 homes and facilities within our network.

When Village crews respond to a break, there are a series of steps taken in order to complete a repair. First, they will begin by setting up a safety perimeter.  Next, a utility locate request will be submitted to J.U.L.I.E. which is required for all utility companies (i.e. ComED, Nicor, etc) to mark the location of any underground structures. Work cannot begin until all potential underground hazards have been located. A J.U.L.I.E locate may take several hours depending upon the utilities involved.

Next, Village crews will locate the break, often by drilling test holes. Once the break is located, the valves that deliver water to the broken water main will be turned off, either partially or completely. This may cause a temporary disruption in water service for residents and businesses in the area.

The crew then will begin digging to expose the broken water main. Once exposed, the crew will determine what type of repair can be made or if a section of the water main will need to be replaced. Once the repair is made, the water service is restored. The final step is filling in the hole and preparing it for the restoration process. A typical repair can take anywhere from 2-8 hours, depending on the type of repair and the location of the break.

If the leak does require a water shutdown to repair, a Public Works Department employee will go door-to-door to notify affected residents of the water shutdown. There are instances where that is not possible do to safety concerns, street flooding, or a house is flooding.

Most shutdowns affect a limited number of residents and are isolated to a single street or block. There are isolated cases, however, when a complete shutdown of the water main cannot be achieved. This happens when the closest shut-off valve to the break will not close. The crew then goes to the next valve up in the system, which in turn affects a larger number of people. Depending upon the location in town, this could be very minor and affect only a few additional houses or a greater number of houses.

During water main break situations, residents in the affected and sometimes adjacent areas may experience sediment or discolored water during and following the repair of the break. The Village’s water system is a “distributed network”, meaning that the water main in the ground does not have a single directional flow to it. It is a spider web that distributes water when pressurized. If an area is shut down due to a break, the system will reestablish an equilibrium which may result in a change in direction of the water flow in pipes in some portions of town.

A precautionary boil order is most commonly issued to the area of the water main break when Village crews need to shut down a segment of water main due to an emergency water main break or other maintenance activity. This change in flow will cause sediment to appear in the water. Beyond an immediate geographic area, it is often impossible to tell where a flow change may occur.

The discoloration in the water is usually sand; possibly some rust, depending upon what the water main is made from, and other minerals that have precipitated out of the water. If you experience discoloration, the Village recommends that you run the cold water tap in the lowest location in your house until the water runs clear.

To keep yourself as safe as possible, limit your tap water use during a water main break. Avoid drinking tap water, taking a bath or shower, running your dishwasher, or using your washing machine. In very rare instances, the Village may also issue a boil water warning or alert, meaning you should boil any water you use for at least a few minutes to kill off any impurities that may make their way into the water supply.

Once the Village finishes fixing the water main break, flush out your pipes as much as possible before you use them again. Starting with cold water, run your faucets for at least a few minutes. You want to keep an eye on it to make sure the water turns clear.

There are several reasons why a water main might break. Most of these reasons involve either the material of the pipe itself or drastic changes in the environment surrounding the pipe. Human errors may be a factor as well. Here are some of the most common reasons why water mains break:

Pipe Corrosion – Depending on the material of the pipe in question, corrosion is a possible reason for a water main break.  The Village of Orland Park requires the use of materials that are less susceptible to corrosion, such as copper and ductile iron.

Soil Erosion – Factors such as nearby construction and past water issues can cause the soil surrounding the water main to erode, destabilizing the area around the water main and making it more likely to shift and break.

Temperature Changes – Freezing temperatures can make the ground contract from the cold, putting more pressure on the outside of the water main. Conversely, excessively hot temperatures can cause the ground to shift, which can shear the water main.

Accidents – Human error can also cause a break in a water main. Most often, this involves nearby construction and mistakes in the operation of heavy machinery on construction sites.

Immediately following the water main break repair, the crew leader must test hydrant water samples to ensure chlorine levels are within range and other quality standards are met. Village crews will backfill the excavation site and prepare the road or parkway for patching.  Village crews will also hose down the work area to clear it of mud.  If temperatures are too cold, the area will be hosed down once temperatures rise. 

Village crews will install a temporary patch to cover the excavated area until a permanent pavement repair can be made.  Road and parkway restoration is normally completed at a later date and is dependent on the time of year and available materials. 

Since most water main breaks occur during the winter, full restoration may not occur until Spring. If safety is concern before the road or parkway are fully restored please call the Public Works Department at (708) 403-6350.