Lake County Gazette

Lake County has announced that the Department of Public Works will commence its semi-annual hydrant flushing program on March 31, weather permitting. This announcement was made in a press release dated March 24, 2025.

According to the press release, the water hydrant flushing program will take place Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. until all water mains have been flushed, with an expected completion date of May 25. During and shortly after the flushing, residents may notice slight water discoloration, which is harmless and will clear up quickly. To avoid staining clothing, it is advised not to do laundry while flushing occurs in your area, and residents should run cold water for several minutes after flushing to clear their pipes.

Lake County Public Works employs approximately 100 full-time staff across five divisions: Systems Operation, System Maintenance, Laboratory, Engineering Services, and Administration and Financial Management. These teams ensure the operation, maintenance, and regulatory compliance of the county's water and sewer systems while performing engineering tasks, managing financial processes, and providing customer service.

The department oversees more than 100 water and sanitary sewer facilities throughout the county. The Administration Building in Libertyville serves as the main communication hub. The office operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., closing on weekends and major holidays. Job positions available within the department can be viewed online.

Lake County Public Works provides water and sanitary sewer services to various areas of the county by managing 12 water distribution systems and three sewage treatment plants. According to its website, the department was established in 1962 by the Lake County Board in response to rapid post-World War II growth to address concerns about pollution and utility service reliability in unincorporated areas previously served by small, unregulated systems.