Water
If you’re reaching out about a request regarding a tree in the public way, you can put in a request with Streets and Sanitation’s Bureau of Forestry. Please note that our office cannot address issues regarding trees on private property. If you’re concerned about an issue with a tree on your neighbor’s property, we recommend reaching out to them directly. Click on the type of request that most matches your request:
Water on Street
After a heavy rain event, you may notice that there is still water on the street even after it has stopped raining. According to the city’s Department of Water Management, this is often by design: when water drains incrementally, rather than all at once, the stormwater management infrastructure is less likely to get overwhelmed. Slow-draining sewers keep water on the street and prevent backup in basements. However, if you notice water standing on the street for longer than 24 hours after a rain event, there could be an issue with the storm drain. Once a request has been placed, a DWM investigator should be out to inspect within 20 days in the summer season and less than 7 days in the winter. If it is determined that a catch basin does require attention, the cleaning should be completed within 30-60 days.
Steps
Clear the surface of the drain with a rake or other tool. Oftentimes water stands on the street because there is debris over the catch basin. A quick sweep can make a big difference!
Wait 24 hours after the rain has stopped.
If there is still water on the street, enter a “Sewer Cleaning Inspection Request” by using the CHI311 mobile app, visiting the CHI311 website, calling 311, or contacting our office. Leave a phone number or an email so that you receive automatic confirmation of the request. And keep an eye out for a notification that provides you with the result of the inspection.
If you have questions about the results of the inspection, reach out to Lucy in our office at 773-868-4747 or info@aldermanmartin.com.
If you need help submitting your request through 311’s online portal, view our help article on submitting service requests.
Additional resources
Basement Flooding
Backup in the basement or first floor during a heavy rain event can be extremely costly, disruptive, and time-consuming to address. Meanwhile, the realities of our changing climate make the types of storms that lead to backup in basements more common. There are some modest steps neighbors can take to prepare for higher rainfall events and reduce the likelihood of basement flooding – including rain barrels and rain gardens.
However, there are times when backup is caused by a break or a clog in public or private infrastructure. When backup does occur, it is important to report it to the City so that the Department of Water Management (DWM) can perform an inspection. Even if the water recedes, it is important to report that you have experienced backup because DWM uses data collected through “Water in Basement” complaints to plan larger infrastructure projects. A DWM crew member will arrive within 48 hours of placing the request.
Steps
File a “Water In Basement” complaint by using the CHI311 mobile app, visiting the CHI311 website, calling 311, or contacting our office. When you file the complaint, please be prepared to provide information including:
Where is the backup coming from (e.g., tub, drain, through cracks in the wall)?
Is the water dirty or clear?
Is it a finished basement?
Is this the first time you’ve received backup or do you experience it multiple times per year?
Wait for the results. An inspector from DWM generally visits within 24-48 hours to confirm whether there is an issue with the sewer main. If there is a problem with the main, DWM will place a work order to have it cleared. If the inspector determines there is no issue with the sewer main, however, there may be a problem with your private service line (the pipe that connects your home to the main).
Click here to read more about the City’s private drain repair program, and learn whether you are eligible.
If you qualify for the private drain repair program, you should have your plumber call the department to schedule a time for a city inspector to meet on site to run a camera down the line and determine the location of the break. They can call either 312-744-5503 or 312-747-4591.
If the result of the inspection is that the break occurs between the sidewalk and the street, DWM will place a work order for the line to be repaired. Reach out to Lucy in our office at info@aldermanmartin.com if you have any questions or concerns. Once the repair is completed, restoration of the area should occur within 60 days.
If you need help submitting your request through 311’s online portal, view our help article on submitting service requests.
Additional resources
Sewer Cave-Ins
Sometimes, neighbors report “sinkholes” to our office because they notice a hole developing in the street that appears to be very deep. Rather than sinkholes, these are oftentimes sewer cave-ins – especially if you notice the hole forming near a sewer grate. This issue is inspected and repaired by the Department of Water Management (DWM). Cave-in’s can also look like cracks in the curb or street, potholes, or a sunken drain structure. Once a request has been placed, a DWM investigator should be out to inspect within 20 days in the summer season and less than 7 days in the winter. If it is determined that a catch basin does require attention, the repair should be completed within 60-90 days.
Steps
You may first notice a potential cave-in when a significant amount of water pools on the street for longer than 24 hours. If you notice potholes, cracks, or sunken pavement near a drain structure, enter “Sewer Cave-In Inspection Request.” An inspector from DWM will come out to determine whether it needs a repair or a cleaning.
Wait for the results. Keep an eye out for a notification that provides you with the result of the inspection. Enter a phone number or an email so that you receive automatic confirmation of the request.
If you have questions about the results of the inspection, reach out to Lucy in our office at info@aldermanmartin.com.
If you need help submitting your request through 311’s online portal, view our help article on submitting service requests.
Water Quality and Lead Testing
According to the most recent Department of Water Management (DWM) Water Quality Report, Chicago water meets or exceeds all standards set by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for safe, clean drinking water. That being said, there may be elevated lead levels in some homes.
If you would like to test your water for lead, you have two options: you can request that a DWM technician visit your home and collect samples, or you can request a lead test kit, which will be mailed to you and require you to take the samples yourself. DWM will in turn mail you the results within 30-60 days after receiving your kit.
If you choose the former, however, a technician will need to enter your home and collect samples from a kitchen or bathroom tap. Note: if you choose this option, you cannot use water throughout the entire home for at least 6 hours prior to the appointment. Appointments are usually scheduled in the morning.
If you wish to replace your private lead service line, the City offers programs for financial assistance through one of two programs. The Equity Lead Service Line Replacement program offers qualifying low-income households the opportunity to replace their line for free. Families who do not qualify for this program may be eligible for the Homeowner Initiated Lead Service Line program, which waives permit fees for a line replacement. This program can save eligible families up to $3,100. More information about how to enroll in either program is included in the links below.
Steps
To order a lead test kit, use the CHI311 App, call 311, visit the CHI311 website, or call our office and request “Lead Service Test Kit.” To request that a DWM technician visit your home to take samples, call our office and request a “Water Lead Test Visit.”
Wait for the results. If you gather the sample yourself, DWM will mail you a letter with the results within 30-60 days after receiving your kit. If 60 days have passed and you still have not received the results, reach out to Andi in our office by calling 773-868-4747 or emailing info@aldermanmartin.com.
If you need help submitting your request through 311’s online portal, view our help article on submitting service requests.
Additional resources
Lead Service Line Replacements
The Department of Water Management (DWM) provides free lead service line replacement for properties affected by water main or sewer main replacement work. DWM will notify residents of their eligibility and next steps. DWM also provides a free and full lead service line replacement for lead lines with leaks or breaks.
Steps
To qualify, call 311 to report a leak or break in the water service line.
A DWM inspector will determine the material of the piping. If the service line is made of lead, then the entire service line will be replaced by DWM free of charge.
DWM or a contractor will discuss and schedule this replacement with the property owner.
Learn more about the program here.
Replacement Programs
If you wish to replace your private lead service line and it does not have a leak or break, the City offers several lead service line replacement programs (LSLRs). Learn more about these programs at here. To determine if your water service line is lead, visit DWM’s water service line inventory website.
Homeowner-Initiated Lead Service line replacement Program
The Homeowner-Initiated Lead Service Line Replacement Program waives the standard permit fees up to $5,000 for property owners who decide to replace their lead service line. Commercial and mixed-use residential/commercial properties are not currently eligible for this program. The property does have to pay for the full replacement.
Learn more about the program here.
Equity Program
The Equity Program provides free lead service line replacement and new water meters to households with an income below 80% of the area median income. To qualify, households must also live in a single-family or two-flat home that they own. Priority is given to households whose water tests have shown over 15 ppb lead.
Learn more about the program here.
Daycares Program
All state-licensed daycares, both center and in-home, qualify for free lead service line replacement. DWM proactively contacts daycares that qualify for the program.
Learn more about the program here.
Questions about lead service lines and DWM’s program can be directed to Lucy in our office at 773-868-4747 or info@aldermanmartin.com or to the Department of Water Management at lead.safe@cityofchicago.org or at (312) 742-2406.
Additional resources
Have a suggestion about how to improve services?
We always welcome suggestions on how to improve city services, so we can pass the feedback along to the Department and the Mayor’s office. Please send feedback and suggestions to info@aldermanmartin.com. It’s important to know that our city budget plays a significant role in determining the quality and timeliness of service that departments can provide. You can sign up for updates about the budget process and our town halls here.