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1. Who do I call with questions or to report a problem?

For questions about all city services or to report a problem, you may call our main phone number, 630-454-2000. During normal business hours (8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Monday through Friday), our receptionist will answer your call and direct it to the appropriate department. To report a power outage, water main break, or other issue that requires urgent attention outside of normal business hours or on a holiday, you may call the Police Department non-emergency number at 630-454-2500.

2. How do I apply for overnight parking?

The City of Batavia has an overnight parking ordinance that prohibits parking on all City streets between the hours of 1:00 AM and 6:00 AM. Realizing that there are situations when citizens may need a temporary exemption, a process has been developed for residents to request a permit.

Residents seeking a permit for three nights or less for a typical passenger car or pickup truck are encouraged to complete the electronic overnight permit application. For additional time or special circumstances, please call the Police Department at 630-454-2500. To apply for the permit, we require the vehicle's license plate number, the location in Batavia where it will be parked, and contact information for the person who is responsible for the vehicle. 

3. When is brush picked up by the city?

The city uses an outside contractor to collect residential brush. A grapple loader will be used to pick the brush off the parkway. Brush should be out by the curb (but not in the street) by 6 a.m. on the Monday of the week you are scheduled.

4. Can I view my Utility Bill online?

Yes you can view your current bill online as well as the prior 12 months of bills. You can sign up to be notified when your new bill is posted. You can also sign up for paperless billing if you prefer to just view your bills online. Utility Billing Payment Page

5. Does the city have watering restrictions?

Yes, a Water Conservation Ordinance is in effect year-round. Batavia follows the "odd/even" system; residents with odd-numbered house addresses may water on odd-numbered days, and similarly, even-numbered addresses may water on even-numbered days. Watering may be done between 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. on those days. For more information, see the Water Conservation page.

If you have a permanently-installed yard sprinkling system, it must be equipped with a backflow valve to prevent contamination of the city water system. Your system must be registered with the city, and the backflow valve must be inspected annually. Contact the Water Department at 630-454-2450 for more information.

You may apply for a sod / seed permit at any time for watering newly-installed seed or sod. Contact the Water Department at 630-454-2450 to apply.

6. When are fire hydrants flushed?

Hydrants are flushed twice a year, in the Spring and Fall. Signs will be posted in your neighborhood during the week that flushing is being done. Residents are reminded to check their water prior to washing any clothes. Be prepared for rusty or discolored water during the week of your scheduled flushing. We regret any inconvenience that discolored water may cause our customers while this work is in progress. If you experience rusty water while laundering, we have a product called “Red-B-Gone” that will help remove the rust from clothes. A free bottle may be picked up at the Utility Billing Department at City Hall or at the Public Works building at 200 N. Raddant Road.

7. Who takes care of the trees in the parkway?

In general, the city owns and maintains the trees in the parkway. Trees are inspected and pruned when necessary during the winter months. We ask that residents help out by watering the trees when they are new or during drought conditions. If there is a problem with a tree in the parkway, please call the Public Properties and Services Division at 630-454-2400.

The city has a Parkway Tree Program that allows residents to request the planting of new trees in the parkway in front of their residence. The city offers several different varieties of trees each year, and the cost of the tree is split 50/50 between the city and the homeowner.

If you would like to plant a tree on your own in the parkway, or if you need to remove a tree in the parkway, you will need a permit from the city.

Tree Planting/Removal Permit

8. Does the city require me to purchase vehicle stickers?

No, the city does not require vehicle stickers.

9. Am I required to license my pets?

No, the city does not require pet owners to license or register their pets. The city code does require that dog owners keep the dogs on a leash whenever they are on public property (including streets and sidewalks).

10. How does the snow removal process work? Are there parking restrictions?

During the snow season, the Street Department strives to ensure that all roads in the city are as safe as possible for motorists. Of course, our efforts to keep the streets clear of ice and snow can be limited by the intensity of snowfall or cold conditions.

Once the snow accumulation reaches 2 inches (2"), there is no parking on any city street until the storm has stopped and the snow has been fully cleared from that street. When snow is forecast, please help us clean all of the streets faster by complying with this ordinance and making room for our snow removal equipment.

Up to date information about the city's snow removal process is posted to the Street Division services page during the winter season. Street Division

11. Can I pay my utility bill electronically?

2 methods are offered to pay utility bills electronically:

1. Payment by Direct Debit Service: The city offers a direct debit service, whereby the amount of your bill can be paid directly from your checking account on the due date. You continue to receive a monthly statement with this program.

2. Payment by Credit Card: You may pay your utility bill using credit cards or an eCheck (one-time withdrawal from checking or savings). There is a fee for using this payment method. To pay your bill, you'll need the account number and service address. Utility Billing Payment Page

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1. How are code violations discovered?

Some of the ways code violations can be discovered is through routine inspections and observations by city staff as they patrol the community and do their jobs, as a consequence of an action (for example, an application for building permit or a request for zoning action) or in response to a complaint by an individual.

2. How do I notify the city about a possible code violation?

If you would like to report a possible code violation, you can do it in person, by phone or by email. Please be prepared with specific information, such as the address of the property, detailed description of the situation, and the length of time you have observed the situation. You do not have to identify yourself, but having your name will assist us with follow-up and ensure we have all the information we need to resolve the situation. We do make it policy not to reveal complainant information.

Contact information can be found on the Code Compliance page. Code Compliance

3. What is the procedure for following up on possible code violations?

The Code Compliance Officer responds to possible violations according to the impact of the violation on the community. Situations that appear to pose a risk to health and safety are given top priority; others are pursued in the order in which they are received.

For all types of code complainants, the first step in the follow up procedure is personal contact by the Code Compliance Officer to see if the violation exists and to request compliance. If the individual responsible for the situation is not available or appears unwilling to voluntarily correct the violation in a timely manner, a notice of violation may be issued, which may require an appearance at Administrative Adjudication or at Kane County Court. Code Compliance

4. What penalties results from code violations?

In many cases, the individual responsible for the code violation is given the opportunity to voluntarily correct the situation and comply without penalty. If correction is not made, the individual may be subjected to fines and other penalties. In every case, the City tries to work with the individual to achieve compliance.

For any questions that you may have about code compliance or possible code violations, feel free to call the Code Compliance Officer. Code Compliance Officer

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1. What time should my trash be out?

Please have it at the curb no later than 6 a.m. on your scheduled date. Recycling carts should be placed within three feet of the curb.

2. What is the largest can size I can use?

A 32-gallon can with a maximum weight of 50 pounds is the maximum size.

3. Do I need to separate my recyclables?

All recyclables may be mixed together inside the recycling cart. Please do not place recyclable material in plastic bags. Materials should be loose inside the cart.

4. How can I dispose of large items or construction debris?

Items like furniture or mattresses may be placed at the curb on service day with one refuse sticker. Construction debris should be contained in bags or bundles less than 50 pounds, no more than 4 feet in length, and no more than 2 feet in diameter with one refuse/yard waste sticker per bag or bundle. Advance notice is not required.

5. Is there a limit on the amount of recyclables that can be placed out each week for collection?

No, but any excess recyclables beyond the confines of the provided recycling cart must be placed in a resident-owned container designated for recycling and weigh no more than 50 pounds. Residents who consistently generate recyclables in excess of their cart capacity may be asked to either get a larger cart or an additional cart.

6. How can I dispose of white goods or appliances?

Items such as refrigerators (doors removed), hot water heaters (drained), and dishwashers may be disposed of by calling Waste Management/Advanced Disposal at 630-587-8282 at least 1 day prior to service.  The call alerts the hauler that there is an item which likely exceeds the normal 50-pound limit so they can schedule a different truck for collection.  Each appliance requires one refuse sticker.

Disposal of water softeners:  Unit must be completely drained of water from tanks, and all salt must be removed from the unit.  Call Waste Management/Advanced Disposal at least 1 day prior to service to schedule a special collection, which still requires only one refuse sticker.  

7. How can I dispose of an old toilet?

The tank must be separated from the base, and one of the pieces requires a refuse/yard waste sticker.

8. What can I do with cans of old paint?

Latex paint cans should be put in regular trash; lids can go in recycling cart. If paint remains, it must be in a solidified form.  For small amounts of paint, just add kitty litter or oil dry to absorb the paint. For larger amounts, pour paint over kitty litter or oil dry into a large pan to solidify.  Do not place cans of paint in liquid form in regular trash, as the cans will leak paint on the street. Latex paint is also accepted for a fee at certain Kane County recycling events.

Oil-based paint can be disposed of at the City of Naperville Household Hazardous Waste drop off site located at 156 Fort Hill Drive in Naperville (just east of Route 59), on Saturdays and Sundays from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. This facility is open and available to all residents of Illinois. Business waste is not accepted.  Oil-based paint is also accepted for a fee at certain Kane County recycling events.  

Paint recycling at Kane County events

9. Are Styrofoam and packing peanuts recyclable?

Packing peanuts cannot be recycled and should be placed in your regular trash. Clean Styrofoam only (foam #6 PS) may be dropped off anytime at Dart Container, 310 Evergreen Drive in North Aurora. Look for their outside collection bin. Packing peanuts are not accepted.

10. How can I dispose of old carpet or wood?

It must be cut and rolled/taped into bundles no more than 2 feet in diameter, 4 feet in length, and 50 pounds in weight. Each bundle requires a refuse/yard waste sticker.

11. Why is my refuse and recycling put together in the truck?

Co-collection trucks are used for solid waste and recycling. Waste and recyclables are kept in separate compartments at all times.

12. Do I need to rinse containers and remove labels? What about pizza boxes?

Bottles and cans should be rinsed but you don’t need to remove the labels. Pizza boxes should be free of food to be recycled. Recyclables should be clean and dry.

13. How can I recycle batteries?

Household batteries (AAA, AA, C, D, 6-volt, 9-volt, and nickel-cadmium rechargeable) may be dropped off for recycling Monday - Friday (excluding holidays) from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Batavia Public Works Facility. Learn more about curbside recycling online. Hearing aid, watch, and car batteries are not accepted at Public Works.

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1. When are engineering inspections required?

Inspections are required by the engineering department in most cases of an improvement being installed. Please contact the department directly for questions regarding inspections.

2. When are permits required?

Consult the permit page for instances when engineering permits or forms are required. Most homeowner projects require only a building permit. However, some projects, such as work within the right of way, require special permits. Development of parcels often will require additional permits from county and state agencies.

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1. What aspects of the City Code is the Community Development Department responsible for enforcing?

The Community Development Department enforces all building, zoning and property maintenance codes of the city. The department reviews plans for consistency with the City Code, including the Subdivision Regulations, issues building permits and reviews proposed development. The department works with applicants, the Historic Preservation and Plan Commissions, Zoning Board of Appeals, and City Council to insure that plans under review meet the City Code and the goals of the Comprehensive Plan.

2. What is zoning?

This is the process of locating, grouping, and controlling land uses and development to achieve the stated purposes of the Zoning Code. These purposes include helping to insure public health and safety, quality of life, and specifically, protection of land, air, and water quality and value.

3. What is my property zoned? What regulations must I follow?

The Batavia Zoning Map depicts each zoning district within the city. Each district is defined and regulated under Title 10 of the City Code, entitled Zoning Code. Each district has a list of permitted and conditional use along with other regulations regarding the built form. Copies of the Zoning Code may be reviewed at the Community Development Office or on the City's website.

Batavia Zoning Map

4. Is my property conforming or non-conforming? What does this mean?

This refers to whether the use of or built conditions on your property comply with all zoning requirements. If legally established uses or conditions are no longer allowed, they may continue without alteration as a non-conforming use. The Zoning Code, Chapter 4.6 has specific allowances for continuation (or elimination if necessary) of non-conforming uses when site improvements are altered or uses are interrupted. Please refer to the Zoning Code in the Batavia City Code for more information or call our office. Chapter 4.6 (PDF)

5. I own a business and would like to display a temporary sign: do I need a permit?

Yes, you will need a permit to display a temporary sign banner in Batavia. Businesses may obtain a temporary sign permit from the Community Development Department by completing a Building Permit application. Regulations regarding Temporary Signs are specific to each Zoning District, under Chapter 4.4 of the Zoning Code. Please call the Community Development Department at 630-454-2700 to inquire about the fee and necessary paperwork.

6. What is annexation?

Annexation is a legislative act of the City Council, to bring property into the city limits. Properties that are annexed to the city will pay city property taxes, but will also receive city services such as police and fire protection, street maintenance, and electric, water, and sewer service. Properties must be contiguous to the Batavia City limits to annex. Properties outside the city limits may enter into a pre-annexation agreement that requires them to annex when the city limits adjoins their property.

7. Is my property in the City of Batavia?

The City Zoning Map indicates the current city limits. Properties that are not in the City limits do not show a zoning designation. Any property outside of the city limits is under the jurisdiction of Kane County. A Batavia mailing address does not necessarily mean your property is incorporated. Most fire district addressed properties are unincorporated.

City Zoning Maps

8. What are TIF Districts?

Tax Increment Financing (TIF) Districts are economic development tools that take advantage of increases in property value. TIFs are designed to promote redevelopment of struggling areas. When an area is experiencing declining property values, and the resulting drop in property tax revenue, they may institute a TIF. The TIF freezes the amount of tax revenue each taxing body (School District, Park District, etc) receives to that of the starting year of the TIF. The city will then make significant improvements in the TIF area. This could include street, utility, and streetscape repairs as well as land assembly for redevelopment. This is usually financed through bonds.

The improvements raise the property values, and therefore the property tax revenue, in the district. The taxing bodies however, still only receive the portion that was their share when the TIF began. The rest of the income is used to pay off the bonds and make other improvements in the district. TIF Districts are allowed to run for 23 years. After they run their course, the taxing bodies return to receiving their full share of the tax revenue. TIF Districts

9. Is my property in a TIF District?

The City of Batavia has 2 active TIF districts that generally cover the downtown area. A map of these districts is available on the city's maps webpage. TIF Districts will also appear on your property tax bill. If you would like additional information about the TIF districts contact the Community Development Department at 630-454-2700.

City Maps

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1. Who is responsible for home maintenance?

Every homeowner is responsible for what you own. If you live in a condominium to townhouse, check your association documents to see what is your responsibility.

2. Why should you do regular home maintenance?

A big reason to do regular home maintenance is to maintain the value of the property. A well maintained home usually sells more readily and usually brings a higher price. A well-maintained house is more comfortable. If you partake in regular care, it will minimize unexpected repair work and expense, so this keeps regular small repair costs from becoming larger. A lender's agreement usually requires the owner to maintain the property to protect the lender's financial interest.

3. What is considered home maintenance?

Home maintenance starts outside with cleaning roof and gutters. Also, cleaning or painting outside wall surfaces is considered maintenance. Heading inside, cleaning floors and walls, vacuuming carpet and keeping sink and shower drains running freely are all great examples of home maintenance.

4. What is involved in home repair?

Exterior home repair is important because it's the first thing a person will see, so replacing broken glass in windows or doors, replacing warped or worn shingles, and repairing a cracked or heaved sidewalk or driveway is the start. On the inside you'll want to replace worn out faucets, repair a broken stair rail, etc.

5. How often should you do maintenance and repairs?

Maintenance and repairs should be done as soon as the need appears. This sooner-the-better practice helps prevent further damage and keeps repair costs down. At least once every 6 months, inspect your house and yard thoroughly to identify items needing work.

6. Who should do the maintenance and repairs?

The homeowner who does his or her own maintenance and repairs saves money. If you are not able to do the work, hire a qualified, experienced repair person. Ask friends for personal recommendations to find a reputable repair person. Ask for written estimates, and do not pay in advance for maintenance or repair services.

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1. What streets will be worked on during this year's Street Program?

A full listing of the streets under construction this year can be found in the construction section of the city's website.

2. How are street projects funded?

There are several ways that city motor construction projects are funded. Primarily, local road construction projects, are funded through Motor Fuel Tax (MFT) funds. The state collects gasoline taxes and distributes them yearly to cities proportionally to their population. Some projects also receive federal funds or grants. For example, Federal Aid Urban Funds (FAU) contributed to Wilson Street and Batavia Avenue repairs. Some repairs downtown are financed through local programs, such as Tax Increment Financing.

3. I have a concern about traffic in my neighborhood, can a stop sign be installed?

Traffic signals and signs cannot be arbitrarily utilized. In fact, studies have found that the overuse of stop signs actually increase instances of speeding within neighborhoods. In order for a street to have sign installed, it must meet warrants. These warrants are written federal safety requirements. A traffic study must be conducted to verify the need. Primarily, the police department is in charge of requesting studies. In turn, the Engineering Department carries out the actual traffic study.

4. Where can I find a map of Batavia?

There are several sources for maps of Batavia. A citywide zoning map is available online. The official zoning map of Batavia, which has all addresses and streets within the city can be purchased for $15 at the Community Development Office. Smaller street maps are also available from the department and the Batavia Chamber of Commerce. Zoning Map

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1. What is wrong with flushing medications down the toilet?

When medications are flushed down the toilet or thrown down the drain, they can end up in our water supply. The long-term effects of these pharmaceuticals and over-the-counter products are currently not fully understood, however, we do know that having pharmaceuticals in the water supply can affect the local environment, including aquatic life.

2. How does medication get into our water?

When medication is not disposed of properly, it can end up in our lakes, rivers, streams, and ground water. Pharmaceuticals are often discarded by throwing them down a drain, toilet, or carelessly into the trash. When disposed of this way, over time, these medications can find their way into the ground water supply, runoff into lakes, rivers and streams, and, in rare occasions, top soil.

3. How does medication in the water affect me and the environment?

Medication that is not disposed of properly can harm humans and wildlife, especially fish and amphibians. Medications that a thrown in the trash may be easy for kids to get into. Thousands of children every year are treated for unintentional ingestion of pharmaceuticals. Pharmaceuticals in the water have been shown to adversely affect wildlife. Trace amounts have been found in some samples of finished drinking water, but the Illinois Department of Public Health and the U.S. EPA do not
believe it to endanger public health.

4. Is it okay for me to throw medication in the trash?

Medication that is carelessly thrown in the trash is an easy target for kids. It is also a target for other household members, pets, and even burglars. Aside from these risks, medication that is thrown in a trash bag will eventually end up sitting in a landfill, where it may leach or dissolve indirectly into the ground water.

5. Where can I go to drop off my medications?

You may bring your prescription and over-the-counter medications to:

Batavia Police Department

100 N Island Avenue

Batavia, IL

The Batavia Police Department is open 24/7 year round.

You will need to check in at the Police Department window in order to drop off your medication.

Before bringing medication to the PD: Please empty your pill containers into Zip Lock type bags, quart size bags or smaller are preferred. Multiple prescriptions can be put into the same bag. Leave the pill bottles at home, they will not fit into our medication receptacle. Please see "What Medicine is not accepted?" 

6. What if I don’t live in Batavia?

This program is open to everyone.

Kane County Safe Medicine Disposal

7. What medicine is not accepted?

Drug Enforcement Agency controlled drugs, sharps / needles, IV bags, inhalers, ointments, salves, lotions, thermometers and bloody or infectious waste are not accepted at the disposal.

8. How do I dispose of inhalers?

You may put empty inhalers in your regular recycling bins, since they are made of plastic and aluminum. Inhalers that are not empty may have to wait for the yearly county disposal event. You may also contact Kane County for alternative disposal sites.

Kane County Safe Medicine Disposal

9. How do I dispose of needles?

There are currently not any options for drop-off disposal of syringes in Kane County. There are actually very few nationally and the industry is working towards future opportunities in this area. For now, you can subscribe to one of the following mail-in programs Sharps Disposal Programs

10. Can I just bring medications back to my local pharmacy?

You cannot bring in medications to your pharmacy. The pharmacies in Batavia do not offer a collection program.

11. What happens to the medications after I drop them off? Is the disposal environmentally safe?

The medications are delivered to a plant, where they will be incinerated. Incineration is environmentally safer than other disposal methods. The process is highly regulated by the EPA. It is done in a way that minimizes contamination of air particles.

12. How should the medication be packaged for disposal?

Before bringing medication to the PD: Please empty your pill containers into Zip Lock type bags, quart size bags or smaller are preferred. Multiple prescriptions can be put into the same bag. Leave the pill bottles at home, they will not fit into our medication receptacle. If you have liquid medication, leave it in the bottle, but seal the lid with tape. Put sealed liquid medication bottles into a separate baggie.  Please see "What Medicine is not accepted?"

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1. Who owns and operates the Wastewater Treatment Facility and Collection System?

The City of Batavia owns and operates the Treatment Facility and the community’s collection system. At present, the wastewater facility employs 1 secretary, 1 lab technician, 5 certified operators and 1 superintendent. The staff receives continual training to keep current with new technologies and improved operating procedures. The City of Batavia currently has 18 sewage pump stations located throughout the community.

The Wastewater Treatment Staff is responsible for the operation and maintenance of these facilities. The Water/Sewer Department is responsible for the operation and maintenance of approximately 100 miles of underground sanitary sewer piping throughout the community.

2. How can you be sure the Wastewater Treatment Facility is doing its job?

The City of Batavia’s Wastewater Treatment Facility is highly regulated by the United States Environmental Protection Agency and the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. These agencies perform random testing of the facilities effluent. The USEPA, through the IEPA, issues a National Pollutant Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) Permit. Included in the NPDES Permit are specific guidelines concerning the testing of the facilities effluent.

The City of Batavia performs lab analysis 5 days a week, which is significantly more frequent than the NPDES Permit requires. Our facility averages 2 milligrams per liter BOD and 4 milligrams per liter suspended solids in its effluent or 10% and 20% respectively, of the allowable maximum limits under the city’s NPDES Permit.

3. Why can't I pipe my sump pump into my sanitary drain?

A typical neighborhood wastewater pumping station, which is owned and operated by the City of Batavia, is designed to pump around 150,000 gallons per day. An illegal sump pump (one that is connected to the sanitary system) could be adding up to 40 gallons per minute of flow. A simple calculation (40 gallons per minute x 1440 minutes in a day) tells us that it would only take 3 of these illegally connected sump pumps to use up the entire pump station design capacity.

4. Sewage is backing up in my basement, what should I do?

Do not run any more water or flush a toilet. Call the City of Batavia Water/Sewer Department at 630-0454-2450. They can come out and give you advice as to what the problem might be and how it may be resolved.

5. How can I prevent future sewer backups?

The two most common causes of sewer backups are roots in the sewer line and grease blockages. Know where you sewer line is located. Avoid planting trees and shrubs near the sewer line. Roots can creep into the sewer pipe and over time cause a blockage. If trees or shrubs have caused problems in the past, remove them, once roots have breached your sewer line, there is a good chance that the roots will grow back.

Typically, the best way to clear a blockage is to call a professional sewer cleaning service. They will cut the roots from your sewer pipe. Try to avoid spending money on miracle root killers. Not only are you using a potentially hazardous chemical, but roots typically enter through the top section of the pipe whereas chemicals sit on the bottom and seldom come in contact with the roots.

Stop using the kitchen sink and garbage disposal for grease or food scraps. Vegetables, meat scraps, butter, cooking oils, and many other foods, deposit grease and solids that can build up in pipes, and eventually, create a blockage in your sewer line. Instead of putting food waste into a garbage disposal, scrape food waste from plates and pans into the garbage. Let melted oils used for cooking; solidify in a container (empty juice cartons or coffee cans work well) on the counter or in the refrigerator before placing them into the garbage.

6. It smells like sewer gas in my basement, what should I do?

The most common cause of sewer gas (hydrogen sulfide) odor in basements is due to improperly maintained floor drains. The floor drains in your basement are designed to trap the hydrogen sulfide gases in the sewer and away from your basement.

To remedy the problem you will need to locate all of the floor drains in your basement. Pour at least 1 quart of water in each floor drain on a weekly basis, if the odors do not go away, given adequate ventilation, call the City of Batavia at 630-454-2450.

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1. Why are there water regulations?

The regulations are designed to ensure the safety and supply of the city’s water system. Conservation helps maintain water supply levels during dry weather conditions when little rainfall occurs and ensures public safety by meeting fire-fighting requirements.

2. Who do the regulations apply to?

The city regulations apply to all persons and properties using water within the city or unincorporated areas, which are connected to the city’s water system.

3. When can I water my lawn?

Lawn sprinkling is permitted from 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. following the odd / even rule. There are no restrictions when watering with a hand-held device. Learn more about conservation online. Water Conservation Regulations

4. What does odd / even mean?

Properties ending in odd numbers may use lawn sprinklers on odd-numbered calendar dates and properties ending in even numbers may use lawn sprinklers on even-numbered calendar dates during the approved times.

5. Can I install sod or seed any time?

The city provides additional sprinkling opportunities for property owners planting new seed or sod in a large area, such as full lots. Small patches should be hand watered. Property owners may use lawn sprinklers for eight hours on the day the sod or seed is placed on the lawn.

For the next 9 days, lawn sprinkling is permitted any time between the hours of 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. - 9 p.m. On the 11th day, property owners must adhere to the general sprinkling regulations.

6. When can I fill my swimming pool?

There are no restrictions when filling swimming pools that are 50 gallons or less. All properties with swimming pools more than 50 gallons must following the odd / even water restrictions during permitted hours of use.

7. What is the fine for not following the regulations?

The fine for the first offense is a $50 ticket. Additional tickets or a notice to appear in court may be issued for repeat violations.

8. Shouldn’t I receive a warning for a violation before I am issued a citation?

During high levels of alert, which is a function of dry weather and water levels, citations may become necessary to enforce water conservation in the interest of public health and safety. Regulations are publicized through a variety of communication channels so that all residents may be informed of the need to conserve water.

9. Can I receive a citation if my children are playing in the sprinkler?

Recreational use of sprinklers is always allowed. However, the water must be turned off when children are not present. Sprinklers left running without recreational users present are subject to the regular restrictions of the water conservation ordinance.

10. If my automatic sprinkling system malfunctions is a citation still warranted?

Sprinkler system malfunctions are treated like any other watering violation. Any customer who uses an automatic sprinkling system must accept responsibility to make sure it is timed correctly. Again, the overriding concern is to protect the public water supply.

11. If my builder, contractor or landscaper tells me I have to water my newly laid sod or seed every day for 2 or 3 weeks, does that exclude me from a citation?

Please contact the Community Development Department for a sod permit. Newly laid sod or seed may be watered for 8 hours on the first day. Since new sod requires immediate watering, there is no restriction on when the 8 hours may start and stop. For the next 9 days, watering is allowed every day during the permitted hours of 6 a.m. - 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. - 9 p.m.

After the initial 10-day period, new sod is subject to the same restrictions as all other lawns. This exemption only applies to new lawns. Adding seed to existing grass does not qualify.

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1. Where does the city’s water come from?

The city’s water supply is a combination of deep and shallow well water. The deep wells are drilled into the Ironton/Galesville Aquifer and the shallow wells are drilled into the St. Charles Aquifer. The city’s wells vary in depth from 150 feet - 1,500 feet.

2. Does Batavia’s water meet all of the federal and state EPA drinking water standards?

Yes, Batavia’s water meet all of the federal and state EPA drinking water standards. Batavia has spent almost $18 million to gain compliance with all federal and state drinking water standards. Batavia has successfully passed all regulated testing since 2007.

3. What is Batavia’s water hardness? Do I need a water softener?

Many of Batavia’s residents do have a water softener to improve the quality. Batavia’s water is considered hard water. The average grain per gallon is right around 25 grains.

4. Batavia charges for water per 100 cubic feet.; how much is 100 cubic feet?

Cubic feet measures volume, so 100 cubic feet (CF) of water is equal to 748 gallons. One CF equals 7.48 gallons. Some towns bill per 1,000 gallons, but Batavia’s meters have always been read in cubic feet.

5. How do you get the water readings every month?

Batavia employs meter readers to walk the neighborhoods each month and gather water meter and electric meter readings. The meter readers carry electronic reading devices that are automatically downloaded with the addresses. All meter readings are automatically downloaded into the city’s billing software program.

6. Is it beneficial to get a home filtration system?

A whole house water filtration system is not necessary. Batavia’s water meets or exceeds all state and federal EPA drinking water guidelines. A softener would improve the water quality by eliminating the hardness.

7. What would cause my water to smell?

Most likely it is the chlorine we are required to add as a disinfectant. Occasionally the city receives calls that the water smells like sulfur or rotten eggs. This is caused by the anode rod in the water heater. If at any time the water has an unusual odor it is probably best to call us. It is well known that people’s sense of smell can be one of the best indicators of a problem.

8. What would cause a sewer gas smell to come from my drain?

Floor and sink drains usually have water filling the bottom of the drain trap which acts as a barrier between the air in the sewer line and the air in your home. When a drain trap becomes dry, sewer odors can enter into the residence. If you experience sewer odors in your home check your basement or utility room floor drain. Add a gallon or 2 of water if you suspect it is dry.

9. What would cause low water pressure?

Low water pressure can be caused by several factors. (1) Someone has closed, or partially closed the main water valve where the water enters the building. (2) The city has partially, or totally shut down the water main for a major water main break or leak repair. (3)  There is a break or leak on the water service line to your residence. (4) The water softener is malfunctioning and causing a reduction in water flow. Most softeners are equipped with a manual bypass valve. To check your softener, bypass it manually and re-check your pressure. If the pressure improves, the softener may be the problem. 

Call us and we will come out to help determine the cause.

10. Is there lead in our water?

Lead in drinking water is a serious matter, especially for infants and small children. There is no lead in Batavia’s drinking water; however lead can enter your water through home plumbing systems. Lead can leach into your water by contacting lead solder used to join pipes and though faucets that may have high lead content.

11. Why does the city require me to get my lawn irrigation system inspected each year?

It is a State of Illinois Plumbing Code requirement to have the back flow prevention devices tested on an annual basis. This includes devices on lawn irrigation systems, fire sprinkler systems and any other plumbing hazard employing a back flow device.