Cary

The Village of Cary is dedicated to delivering premium quality municipal water to its 18,271 residents and over 500 businesses. Our water undergoes regular testing following strict Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) protocols. This report aims to provide vital information about your tap water and highlight the efforts made by the CARY water program to ensure safe water delivery.

The source of water used by CARY is groundwater. For additional questions, please contact Robert Walsh, Assistant Director of Public Works, at (847) 639-0003. Village Board meetings occur at 6:00 PM on the first and third Tuesdays monthly, offering public participation opportunities regarding decisions that might impact water quality.

SOURCE OF MUNICIPAL WATER
Municipal water sources (both tap and bottled) include rivers, lakes, streams, ponds, reservoirs, springs, and groundwater wells. As water moves across land surfaces or through soil, it dissolves naturally-occurring minerals and, in some cases, radioactive materials, while also potentially collecting substances from animal presence or human activities.

Potential contaminants in source water include:

• Microbial contaminants (viruses, bacteria) from sewage treatment facilities, septic systems, agricultural operations, and wildlife
• Inorganic contaminants (salts, metals) from natural sources, urban runoff, industrial discharges, or agricultural activities
• Pesticides and herbicides from agriculture, urban runoff, and residential usage
• Organic chemical contaminants from industrial processes, petroleum production, gas stations, and septic systems
• Radioactive contaminants from natural sources or oil/gas production and mining

All water, including bottled varieties, may reasonably contain at least small amounts of some contaminants. Their presence doesn't necessarily indicate a health risk. For more information about contaminants and potential health effects, contact the EPA's Safe Drinking Water Hotline at (800) 426-4791.

To ensure tap water safety, EPA regulations limit the amounts of certain contaminants in public water systems. FDA regulations establish similar limits for bottled water to provide equivalent public health protection.

Planning & Zoning FAQ

1. What is Zoning? Zoning establishes permitted land uses on specific properties. It also regulates size, intensity, height of development, as well as signage, screening, and parking requirements.
2. What is a Subdivision Plat? A subdivision plat is a survey prepared by a licensed surveyor that describes lot sizes, locations, streets, and easements. It establishes the lot, block, and subdivision names used in real estate transactions.
3. What does "Nonconforming" mean? This refers to lots, structures, land uses, and characteristics that were legally established before current zoning ordinances but no longer comply with current regulations.

Building FAQ

1. Do Contractors need to be registered with the City? Subcontractors (Electrical, Mechanical, Plumbing, Backflow, Irrigation) must register with the City by:
   • Providing the permit office with a copy of their Master License and identification
   • Providing Company General Liability Insurance with the City as certificate holder or providing a Surety Bond
   Building Contractors must provide Company General Liability Insurance with the City as certificate holder or offer Builders Surety Bond.
2. Do I need a permit for a garage/yard sale? Yes - Garage sales are permitted in AG, S, AU, UR, NC, and UC zoning districts if the property owner first obtains a $10.00 permit from the Permitting Division. The permit is issued if:
   • No more than four permits per calendar year have been issued for the applicant's address
   • The permit duration does not exceed three consecutive days

Backflow/Cross-Connection FAQ

1. What are cross connections? Whenever a plumbing fixture connects to the municipal water supply, a potential cross-connection exists. If contaminated water (such as water containing fertilizer) backflows into the main water system, it can cause contamination or even fatalities.
2. What does a backflow device do? Backflow devices, required by State Law for fire or irrigation services, prevent back siphonage and backpressure into the main water supply. Most multi-family, commercial, and industrial properties, plus properties with auxiliary water supplies or irrigation meters must have a backflow device, typically a Reduced Pressure Assembly. All devices must undergo annual testing, with customers receiving reminder notices and a list of certified testers. Failure to test may result in service termination.

Code Enforcement FAQ

1. What constitutes high weeds and grass? Per Adopted Code of Ordinance Chapter 5 Section 95.07, property owners or occupants commit an offense if weeds/grass exceed 24 inches in height.
2. Can the City address properties with excessive trash and debris? Yes. Contact Code Enforcement at 956-388-1838 with the property address. Accumulating debris, junk, and trash violates local ordinances per Adopted Code of Ordinance Chapter 95 Section 95.06.
3. Can semi-trucks or oversize vehicles park in residential neighborhoods? No. City ordinance prohibits parking vehicles weighing 10,000+ pounds on public streets, alleys, highways, or places adjacent to residential-zoned property (Code of Ordinance Chapter 71 Section 71.07). Report concerns to Code Enforcement at 956-388-1838.