Hoffman Estates

During 2017, as in previous years, your tap water met all U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA) and Illinois EPA (IEPA) health standards for municipal water. The Village employs IEPA-certified operators who diligently monitor the water supply. We're pleased to report that Hoffman Estates had no violations of contamination levels or other water quality standards.

This report covers January through December 2017 and summarizes last year's water quality. We want our valued customers to be informed about their water. If you have questions about this report or your water service, please contact Hailing Xiao, Superintendent of Water and Sewer, at 847-490-6800; 2305 Pembroke Ave., Hoffman Estates, IL 60169.

The Village Board holds public meetings on the first and third Monday of each month at 7 p.m. at the Village Hall, 1900 Hassell Road.

Water Source Information
Since 1985, Hoffman Estates has used Lake Michigan surface water purchased from Chicago as its sole water source. Chicago utilizes two water treatment plants: the Jardine Water Purification Plant serving northern areas and suburbs, and the Sawyer Water Purification Plant serving southern regions.

Lake Michigan is the only Great Lake entirely within the United States, bordering Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, and Wisconsin. It's the second-largest Great Lake by volume (1,180 cubic miles) and third-largest by area.

The treated water arrives at reservoirs owned by the Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency (NSMJAWA). Once received, no additional treatment is necessary, and our distribution system delivers water directly to homes and businesses through village-owned mains. Hoffman Estates maintains 11.8 million gallons of storage capacity, including seven elevated tanks and three ground storage reservoirs.

For emergency backup, the Village maintains several groundwater wells that would only be used if the Lake Michigan supply were interrupted. These wells undergo monthly testing and sampling.

Source Water Vulnerability Assessment
The IEPA considers all surface water sources potentially susceptible to contamination. Lake Michigan's offshore intakes are positioned far from shore, reducing contamination risks, though seasonal factors like wet-weather flows and lake currents can occasionally affect water quality. The crib structures may attract waterfowl, potentially concentrating waste deposits near intakes.

Shore intakes face higher risks from stormwater runoff, marinas, and shoreline sources due to groundwater flow into the lake. Various organizations actively work to maintain or improve Lake Michigan's water quality. Residents should understand how everyday urban activities can impact source water and be aware of storm drains' direct connection to the lake.

For a copy of Chicago's source water assessment, please visit the Public Works Center or call 847-490-6800. A summary version is available at http://dataservices.epa.illinois.gov/swap/factsheet.aspx.

Frequently Asked Questions About Yard Signs

1. Can I have a yard sign?
   Yes, you may display yard signs on your property.
2. What is the maximum size permitted?
   All properties, regardless of zoning classification or use, may display temporary non-business signs up to 36 square feet total. Individual signs cannot exceed 16 square feet, and maximum height is limited to 4 feet per sign.
3. May I place signs on public property?
   No, signs cannot be installed on public property including parks, water towers, or other municipal facilities.
4. Where can I position my sign?
   Signs must be placed outside road right-of-way boundaries:
   • US-31: 50 feet from roadside
   • M-45: 30 feet from the white fog line
   • Lincoln Street: 20 feet from the white fog line
   • Lakeshore Drive: East side - inside of pathway; West side - 20 feet from white fog line
   • Roads with pathways: signs must be positioned on the interior side of pathways
   • Roads without pathways: place signs 15-20 feet from roadside
5. Why are signs prohibited in the right-of-way?
   There are several important reasons:
   • Safety: Sign clutter creates driver distractions
   • Visibility: Signs may obstruct views at driveways and intersections
   • Maintenance: Road crews encounter obstacles when mowing road shoulders
6. Can I retrieve my sign if it's removed?
   Yes, the Township stores all collected signs. Call our office at 842-5988, and we'll prepare your sign for pickup.