New Connections

Planning New Sewer Installations

The Kishwaukee Water Reclamation District takes an active role before, during, and after the installation of new infrastructure that will connect to our system.

You need the KWRD’s approval to obtain permits for residential construction from the IEPA. It’s our responsibility to make sure new installations don’t put too great a burden on our collection system or the treatment plant. We measure the amount of wastewater a new development is anticipated to generate using P.E., or population equivalent. One P.E. equals 100 gallons per day of water usage:

• Studio Apartment                                             =        1 PE
• One-Bedroom Apartment                             =        1.5 PE
• Two or Three-Bedroom Apartment          =        3 PE
• Single-Family Home                                        =        3.5 PE
• Mobile Home                                                      =        2.25 PE
• Multi-Family Home(s)                                     =        3 PE per unit
• Commercial/Industrial Building                =        varies depending on size and intended use/occupancy

LEARN MORE ABOUT NEW SEWER CONSTRUCTION

Testing New Infrastructure

The District also monitors the quality of new installations to prevent future failures. The District must approve construction plans before the city will grant a building permit. The District offers reviews throughout the design process to help developers meet quality requirements.

During the construction phase, District personnel ensure testing of all new sewers is performed for quality assurance before occupancy permits are issued. At the project’s completion, the developer must submit “as-builts” so the location and details of the infrastructure can be recorded.

Reusing Old Infrastructure

Existing sewer laterals that were previously abandoned can be reused if they are in good condition. Call the District to schedule an inspection of an existing lateral you would like to reuse. We will use a miniature camera to assess the condition of the lateral along its full length and give you instructions on how to reuse it or if it should be abandoned.

Abandoning Infrastructure

If a sewer pipe no longer in use is sealed off, groundwater can leak into the sanitary system, increasing the likelihood of sewer backups in the neighborhood. If a building with a sanitary sewer connection is being demolished, the lateral must be located, marked, and sealed with a watertight cap. If you are shutting down a sewer lateral, call the District for instructions on what to do and to schedule an inspection.

If you abandoning a septic tank, District and County regulations require that the tank be cleaned of sludge, the bottom perforated to allow drainage, and the tank filled with gravel, sand, or compacted soil.

Development Fees

Plan Review Fees

After the free initial consultation, developers will be charged plan review fees depending on the size and complexity of the project. These fees cover the District’s personnel and out-of-pocket costs incurred in reviewing the developer’s plans.

Annexation Fees

Annexation fees offset the cost of expanding the sanitary sewer collection system to previously unincorporated areas. The owner of a property that shares a boundary with the District can petition the board for annexation. Annexation fees are $3,000 per acre. To inquire about annexation, contact Executive Director Mark Eddington, P.E., at (815) 758-3513.

Connection Fees

Connection fees are charged in proportion to the demand a new development will place on the wastewater treatment plant. Each new connection to the sewer main is subject to a fee of $600 per P.E.