Show All Answers

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.