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1. What common types of projects do I need a permit for?

Permits are needed for:

• Decks
• Fences
• Furnace and air conditioning system
• If you are changing the size of a window or a door larger or smaller
• Interior demolition and remodeling
• Patios
• Pools over 24 inches in height
• Range hood
• Roofing
• Sewer repair
• Siding
• Temporary dumpsters
• Temporary signage for a business
• Water heaters

Additional types of projects may also require permits. View a complete list of work that does or does not require a permit (PDF).

Also, you can take a look at the Residential Permit Guide for specific information on each type of project. Note they are listed in alphabetical order. The guide lists minimum requirements needed for each project as well as what types of inspections you will need.

2. How do I schedule an inspection?

Inspections must be scheduled at least 24-hours in advance and before 3 p.m. Plumbing inspections are available in the mornings on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays. Please call 847-551-3478. When you call please have your permit number with you and know what type of inspection is being requested.

3. If I own residential property in Carpentersville can I rent it out?

Yes, you may if you comply with the Village's Rental Licensing Program. The program requires that all homeowners complete an application, complete a form granting the Village permission to inspect the property, complete a Crime Free Housing seminar, and pay an annual licensing fee. Once the initial application has been completed an inspection on the property must be performed. The program requires that you pay your license fee annually but follow-up inspections occur only every fourth year after your initial inspection.

4. What is the zoning on my property?

The Village has 13 defined zoning districts. Of the 13 districts, 7 of the districts are residential, 3 are commercial, 2 are manufacturing, and 1 is agricultural. View the Village's zoning map (PDF), or if you need written confirmation of the zoning, please contact 847-551-3478 and ask for Senior Planner John Svalenka.

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1. I live out of state. Do I have to attend?

Not necessarily. If you live out of state, you undoubtedly have a local individual that handles matters for you related to the rental property. With this in mind, the ordinance does state the rental property owner or agent (manager), or the owner's designee shall attend a Crime Free Multi-Housing seminar.

For additional information, contact the Crime Free Program Coordinator at the Carpentersville Police Department at 847-551-3481.

2. I own more than one unit in the village. How many seminars do I need to attend?

You (or your agent or designee) need to attend only one seminar regardless of the number of rental units that you own or operate in the village as long the agent or designee remains in this position. Any new agent or designee is required to attend the training seminar.

For additional information, contact the Crime Free Program Coordinator at the Carpentersville Police Department at 847-551-3481.

3. Does the ordinance require a criminal background check for rental applicants?

No. Thorough applicant screening is recommended and discussed in the seminar. However, the ordinance does not require criminal background checks. For additional information, contact the Crime Free Program Coordinator at the Carpentersville Police Department at 847-551-3481.

4. Does the ordinance require me to evict a tenant for one criminal incident?

No. The ordinance does require the use of a Crime Free Lease Addendum or similar wording in the body of the lease that makes criminal activity a cause for eviction. The ordinance does not require an eviction based on a single charge of criminal activity, depending on the severity. 

The Crime Free Lease Addendum was developed by HUD and is used in section 8 leases utilized by housing authorities. Evictions based on this concept were upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court in 2002 (see Oakland Housing Authority versus Rucker and Department of Housing and Urban Development versus Rucker). For additional information, contact the Crime Free Program Coordinator at the Carpentersville Police Department at 847-551-3481.

5. Doesn't the ordinance promote discrimination or profiling?

No. The Federal Fair Housing Act, which is discussed during the seminar and contained in the workbook, has seven protected classes. The seven protected classes relate to a persons:

• Color
• Familial status
• Handicap (disability)
• National origin
• Race
• Religion
• Sex

A person's behavior is not a protected class. 

The ordinance is intended to deal with criminal or excessive nuisance behavior that is impacting the health, safety, or quality of life of a neighborhood, regardless of the tenant's race, ethnic background, or income status. Would you like to live next to a drug dealer, gang member, or renter that has loud and drunken parties every weekend. For additional information, contact the Crime Free Program Coordinator at the Carpentersville Police Department at 847-551-3481.

6. How can I be held responsible for the actions of my tenant?

A rental property, regardless of size, is in fact a business operation. While the village has the power to declare certain businesses a nuisance, it has the right and responsibility to do the same for troublesome rental properties. The ordinance is designed to provide education and tools to rental property owners that will assist and empower them to reduce the chances of problems and be prepared to quickly and effectively deal with difficult tenants. 

This will not only assist the village and local neighborhoods, but may also protect the rental property owner from potential loss of rent during a protracted eviction, and costly repairs to damaged units.

7. Will my rental license be suspended or revoked any time a crime happens?

No. With the number of rental licenses for condos, apartments, single family homes, and townhouses in the Village of Carpentersville, it is not possible to track every single incident. However, the units that become excessive in nature by virtue of the type of criminal activity or amount of nuisance activity (as noted in the ordinance) that impacts the quality of life of a neighborhood will be notified. The owners who actively work with the police department in an attempt to resolve the problem should have no concern. 

The village will not automatically suspend or revoke a rental license for a property that meets the nuisance standard. The village manager, upon specific recommendation, may review the situation and may suspend or recommend revocation for a small percentage of rental property owners who fail to attempt to resolve problems on their property. 

For additional information, contact the Crime Free Program Coordinator at the Carpentersville Police Department at 847-551-3481.

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1. What steps has the Village taken to eradicate trees infested with Emerald Ash Borer?

During the summer and fall of 2012, the Public Works staff surveyed and inventoried the Village's entire ash tree population and found a total of 2,473 ash trees. As part of the ash tree inventory, staff rated every tree in accordance with the Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) Policy. The rating system utilized by the Village is detailed below.

• Level 1 - Tree is showing some signs of EAB infestation but cannot be determined with reasonable certainty. Tree will be monitored on a quarterly to bi-annual basis.
• Level 3 - Tree is showing obvious signs of EAB infestation and will be monitored very closely. Tree will almost certainly die off completely within 1 to 2 years.
• Level 5 - Tree is almost or completely dead due to EAB infestation. Tree shows more than two obvious signs of EAB infestation and needs to be removed and/or replaced.

To date (2017), the Village has removed approximately 2,281 ash trees from the public right-of-ways and Village owned properties that were given a "Level 5" rating.

2. Will the Village replace my parkway tree?

Public Works crews have removed over 2,281 ash trees that have become infested or were previously dead since 2012, and will most likely be removing trees for the next five years. Funds have been allocated on an annual basis for trees that have been removed. To date (Spring, 2017) the village has replaced over 2,094 trees with a more than a dozen of tree species.

3. Will the Village remove the tree stump once the tree is removed?

Yes. Stumps are added to a list and ground (removed), within 60 to 90 days of the removal of the tree. Due to the potential high volume of work, this time frame may be adjusted. Depending on the season, wood chips may remain in place or the area will be restored with topsoil and seed and blanket.

4. Why do the plants, edging, and landscape blocks need to be removed prior to stump removal?

Machines used for grinding stumps are essentially large-scale chainsaws with teeth that are designed for use on wood and topsoil only. Blocks, edging, and landscaping may prohibit the unit from accessing the stump and can cause damage to the machine.

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1. What is a 50/50 sidewalk repair program and does the Village have one?

A 50/50 program shares the replacement and repair costs of public sidewalk equality between the property owner and Village. The Village eliminated the 50/50 program around 2003. In 2004, the Village took a comprehensive look at the Village's public sidewalk system and created and annual sidewalk replacement program that repairs failed sidewalk, trip hazards, heaves, and completes ADA upgrades at intersections. The program concentrates on a specific area of the Village each year. For more information, contact the Engineering division.

2. Does my property go all the way to the street or back of curb?

Within the Village, the public streets are built within a public right-of-way (ROW). The ROW is wider than the street providing space for the placement public sidewalk and various utilities. Along a street, your property line is the same as the ROW line. For streets that have sidewalk, the ROW line is typically 1 foot plus or minus behind the back of sidewalk towards your property. For streets that have carriage walk, the ROW line is typically 8 foot more or less behind the back of carriage walk towards your property. For more information, contact the Engineering division.

3. Will the Village locate my property line or property corners?

The Village does not locate property lines or corners for properties owners. The Village on occasion will locate property lines and corners as part of a reconstruction project. If available, The Village will provide any archived survey information to assist the property owner or their surveyor in locating their property lines or corners. For more information contact the Engineering division.

4. Do I need a permit to remove a tree?

Yes, all property owners that need to remove a tree must obtain a tree removal permit. The permit is free and can usually be obtained the next business day. The applications are available online or stop into the Community Development Department on the 2nd floor of Village Hall.

5. Why was my street resurfaced when others seem to be in worse condition?

The Village surveys and ranks the condition of all public streets. Typically, the worst streets are a candidate for total reconstruction. At that time, the conditions of underground utilities are reviewed as well. Streets that are in better condition are candidates for maintenance resurfacing. This prolongs the life of the street and the need for reconstruction. Maintenance resurfacing is less expensive per lane mile than reconstruction allowing the Village to upgrade streets at a reduced cost. For more information, contact the Engineering department.

6. Is my property in a floodway or floodplain?

Most property is not located in the floodway or floodplain; however, confirmation can be obtained by contacting the Community Development Department at 847-551-3478.

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1. How much of my property tax bill goes to the Village?

For the tax year 2013, most Carpentersville residents paid a total tax rate of 11.484941%; the Village's tax rate was 2.67%. Therefore, on a home with a market value of $300,000 the total tax bill would be $11,485; of that $2,670 goes to the Village.

2. What do I get for my money?

The rest of your property tax bill is used to fund the daily operations of the Village such as:

• Debt service on bonds sold to pay for capital projects (i.e, Streets and Buildings)
• Employee pensions and health insurance
• Firefighting and Ambulance services
• Police protection
• Snowplowing
• Streets and park maintenance
• Tree planting
• Weekly Trash Collection Pick-up

3. Who determines how much I pay in property taxes?

Several agencies play a role in the levy, extension, and assessment of property taxes. Listed are the steps in tax determination:

1. Individual taxing bodies (school districts, towns and villages, park and library districts, townships, community colleges, and counties) submit their funding needs (tax levy) to the County Clerk's tax extension office.
2. Township assessors determine an approximate market value of your home and submit these to the County Supervisor of Assessments.
3. The approximate market value of your home is multiplied by an equalization factor, currently 33.33% to determine the equalized assessed value (EAV).
4. The funding needs of all taxing bodies that provide services to your property are totaled and divided by the total assessed value of your jurisdiction to determine the tax rate.

Your tax bill is figured by applying the tax rate to every $100 of EAV.

4. Why do I pay my bill to the County when some of my money goes to the Village?

The County is the agency that centralizes all of the information needed to extend, collect, and distribute property taxes. The County Clerk coordinates all municipal tax levies, and the County Supervisor of Assessments oversees the application of assessed values.

The County Treasurer:

• Collects the taxes
• Distributes the funds to all of the taxing bodies
• Generates the tax bills from the information provided by the Clerk and Assessor
• Mails the bills to residents

5. What are abatements?

An abatement is a decision by a governing body to decrease a tax levy obligation. When the Village issues General Obligation bonds to pay for capital improvements, one of the conditions of the bonds is that the repayment of the bonds is backed by the full faith and credit of the Village. Therefore, the Village is legally bound to levy for 100% of the debt service; however, depending on the project the Village may decide to repay the bonds using other sources of revenue, such as Water and Sewer or MFT collections.

Another form of abatement occurs when an entity, other than the Village, pays the costs of maintaining a special service area. An example would be when a Homeowners Association pays for the care and maintenance of a stormwater detention area.

6. What is a Special Service Area (SSA)?

A Special Service Area (SSA) is a segregated section of the Village that benefits from and pays additional tax on a specific capital improvement. For example, water system improvements that are homeowners' responsibility can be costly; the Village may elect to issue bonds on behalf of the homeowners to make the payment more manageable.

Since the burden of repayment lies with the homeowners a separate tax is levied against the affected properties only and is not included in the Village's regular tax rate.

7. Why is my water bill so high?

Everyone uses water differently, so it is difficult to compare bills because they are based on actual usage. However, if you notice an extraordinarily large increase in your water bill check to make sure you don't have any leaks (especially toilets since they leak directly into a drain and not the floor) and consider the time of year as most people use more water during warmer months.

8. My water was shut-off, but I didn't receive a bill. Why?

The Village generates and mails 5,000 to 6,000 water bills every month. Once they are sent to the Post Office they are out of our control.

We document when bills are returned to us by the Post Office but have no knowledge as to why. We mail delinquent letters prior to disconnection as a reminder of outstanding balances.

9. I just moved to Carpentersville and need to set-up a water account. What do I need?

Welcome! All owners please bring your settlement statement/purchase papers and a photo ID to the village hall as soon as possible. All renters should be aware that only the owner of a property can set up the water account. No deposit is required at the time of account set up.

Please feel free to call the Finance Department at 847-426-3476 if you have any questions.

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1. Does the Fire Department have Paramedic service?

Yes. There are four paramedic ambulances that transport to St. Alexius Medical Center in Hoffman Estates and Advocate Sherman and Provena St. Joseph Hospitals in Elgin.

2. Where are the Fire stations?

• Station 91 - 213 Spring Street
• Station 92 - 305 Lake Marian Road
• Station 93 - 5000 Sleepy Hollow Road

3. I see the Carpentersville Fire apparatus in other towns, why is that?

The Carpentersville Fire Department receives and provides assistance to neighboring towns. The department is also a member of the Mutual Aid Box Alarm system and can be called to assist any fire department in the area as well as receive assistance when needed.

4. Why do the fire trucks sometimes turn lights off and turn around?

For any reported structure fire, there are numerous pieces of equipment that respond. If fire equipment on the scene does not need additional help, they will cancel the response for other equipment and the fire trucks en-route will turn off their lights and return to the station.

5. What are the flashing white lights on top of traffic lights when fire equipment passes?

The fire equipment and ambulances have a traffic control device on each vehicle that can change the traffic signals to green thus providing a safer and expedient response. The flashing white light indicates to responding vehicle that the light will turn green for them.

The other lights on top of the other poles give a steady white light to let other equipment that may be responding from another direction know that the signal is controlled by another vehicle.

6. How long should I keep smoke detectors?

The detectors should be replaced after approximately ten years. Check the manufacturer's recommendation when you purchase the detector. When replacing detectors, we recommend using 110 volts with battery backup.

Remember change batteries twice a year when you change the time on your clocks.

7. Where should I place smoke detectors?

Minimum of one per floor and outside sleeping areas. In new homes, we suggest upgrading to 110 volts with battery backup interconnected in each bedroom and in hallways outside bedrooms.

8. Should I have an escape ladder for my upper floors?

These ladders can be useful in escaping if your primary exit is blocked. Only use them if you cannot escape through the house. These ladders are different than regular ladders and you should become familiar with their use.

Remember to have an exit plan drawn up for the entire house and practice the plan.

9. Does the Fire Department offer CPR classes?

Yes, please view CPR program information.

10. Does the Village allow open burning?

No. The only accepted open burning is in an approved manufactured burn pit which must have all of the safety components in place and attended by an adult.

11. Why do so many fire apparatus respond to simple incidents?

Fire Department units are dispatched according to information received by the 911 operator. A computer selects the closest units to respond. This will be either an engine company or a ladder truck company. In preparation for the worst case scenario, an ambulance often is dispatched as well.

There may be three fire department vehicles on the scene for what appears to be a "simple" incident. However, in emergency services, we have learned that if we assume something is "simple," we can be horribly mistaken. The winner in these situations will always be the citizen who needs help.

12. Why do I see fire trucks with full lights and sirens go through a red light at intersections and then, after they go through, they turn off their lights and slow down?

As explained in a previous answer, sometimes several units are dispatched to the same incident. The first unit may have arrived on the scene, surveyed the situation and informed the dispatcher that the situation was under control. All other responding units were canceled and put back into service, ready to take another call.

Most likely, when you see an emergency vehicle responding with lights and siren through an intersection and then slow down and turn the emergency lights off, they have been canceled from the call they were going on.

13. Why does a fire engine respond when I call for an ambulance?

The Carpentersville Fire Department believes in providing the best care in the most rapid method possible. At times, an ambulance may be at the hospital or on another call. Our fire engines are fully equipped with Paramedics and Advanced Life Support supplies to treat a patient until another ambulance arrives.

We also send a fire engine to assist an ambulance on calls where the information provided to the dispatcher indicates that advanced care may be needed. Emergency Medical Services has evolved to the point where almost everything that can be done in an emergency room setting can also be done in the field by Paramedics.

Many treatments and procedures require more than the two personnel assigned to the ambulance, thus warranting assistance from the fire engine personnel.

14. Why do I see firefighters cutting holes in the roof of a building on fire?

This is called "venting the roof." There are two basic reasons for this practice.

Visibility & Breathable Air

Dangerous gases and dark smoke accumulate in a burning building. Unlike the movie versions of fires, it is impossible for firefighters to see in such an environment.

When a hole is made in the roof, the smoke and gases escape because heat and smoke rise which makes it much easier for the firefighters in the building to see. It also reduces the possibilities of backdraft and flashover.

Fire Progress Assessment

Another reason for venting the roof is to see how far the fire has progressed. One of the fastest avenues through which fires spread is the attic.

Heat and smoke rise into the attic where the fire can move quickly. Firefighters may go ahead of the fire on a roof, cut holes to access the attic and stop the fire from spreading through the attic.

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1. What is the phone number for the Garbage company?

Republic Services' phone is 847-429-7370.

2. How do I pay a traffic or parking ticket?

Moving and seat belt violations are paid to the Kane County Circuit Clerk, or 630-232-3413. Parking ticket violations may be paid at the Village of Carpentersville Finance Department or through the online payment system.

3. How do I get to Village Hall?

Village Hall is located just off of Route 25, behind the Meadowdale Shopping Center. View map/directions to Village Hall.

4. How do I report an illegal solicitor and/or how can I confirm that a solicitor is registered with the Village of Carpentersville?

If you want to report an illegal solicitor or have any questions concerning solicitors, please call QuadCom (911 or 847-428-8784) to have an officer dispatched to your residence.

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1. Can I show you my proof of insurance to void this ticket?

Unfortunately not, you must go to Clerks office in St. Charles, or go on your designated court date and time.

2. Can I pay my ticket here?

Parking citations can be paid at the Finance office. Moving citations are paid at the Clerk's office at 540 South Randall Road in St. Charles.

3. Why did I get a ticket for "overnight parking" when all my neighbors park on the street every night?

You are allowed up to 7 days per year for street parking. This includes overnight visitors, or drive way repairs; however, you must call QuadCom 847-428-8784 and have your information added to the overnight log.

4. I received a ticket for overnight parking but there are no signs posted on the entire block stating so. Now what?

There is no overnight parking on any street in Carpentersville between the hours of 2 a.m. to 6 a.m. It's a Village-wide parking ban.

5. How do I report things to QuadCom?

Please call QuadCom 847-428-8784 for the following:

• You need to file a report.
• You need an officer sent to your home.
• You have either found or lost a dog. 

6. How do I contact traffic court?

Traffic Court Information
540 S Randall Road
St. Charles, IL 60174
Phone: 630-232-3413 

Kane County Circuit Clerk's Office Website

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1. Why has a boil order been issued?

This boil order is being issued in accordance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency regulations. Anytime water pressure drops below 20 pounds per square inch in any part of a community’s water distribution system, a boil order must be issued. The boil order remains in effect until tested samples demonstrate that the water is safe.

2. Can I drink the water?

During a boil order, only bottled water or water that has been boiled for 5 minutes and cooled should be consumed or used to wash dishes, wash fruits/vegetables, make ice cubes or brush teeth.

3. Can I wash my hands with this water?

It is recommended bottled water or water boiled for 5 minutes and cooled should be used for hand washing. When this is not practical, it is recommended that if tap water must be used to wash and rinse it should be followed up with the use of a hand sanitizer. Using extra precautions with hand washing ensures that hands are clean for eating.

4. Can I shower or take a bath in this water?

Yes, it is safe to shower or bathe in the water. The primary concern is that the water not be consumed. Instruct children not to put the water in their mouth when they are bathing. If you have recent surgical wounds or a chronic illness, you may want to use bottled or boiled water for bathing until the advisory is lifted.

5. How do I wash my dishes?

Use bottled water or water that has been boiled for 5 minutes to wash and rinse dishes. Household dishwashers are generally safe to use if the water reaches a final rinse temperature of 150°Fahrenheit or if the dishwasher has a sanitizing cycle.

6. Can I wash my clothes in the water?

Yes, you may continue to use the water to wash clothes. The major concern is consuming the water.

7. Can my pets drink the water?

Animals generally are not affected in the same way as people by contaminants in the water. An individual may give their pet bottled water or water that has been boiled for 5 minutes and cooled if they choose.

8. What do we need to do when the boil order is lifted?

When the order is lifted you should flush the buildings water lines for at least one minute or till you feel a temperature change and clean the faucet screens. Also, purge water-using fixtures and appliances of standing water and/or ice. This includes changing the water filter on refrigerators.

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1. What is carbon monoxide and why is it so dangerous?

Definition

Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless and poisonous gas that results when natural gas and other fuels burn without sufficient oxygen.

Affect on the Body

Carbon monoxide is an asphyxiate and prevents needed oxygen from traveling throughout the body. Carbon monoxide combines more readily with hemoglobin (blood) than oxygen, thus disrupting oxygen transport. Carbon monoxide levels in the blood vary with carbon monoxide exposure levels, length of exposure and physiological factors.

Elevated levels of carbon monoxide can cause illness and even death. The elderly and persons with cardiovascular and pulmonary diseases are particularly sensitive to elevated levels of carbon monoxide.

Signs & Symptoms

Signs and symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning include nausea, headaches, and fatigue; these symptoms are often mistaken for the flu. Persons exposed to high levels of carbon monoxide need fresh air immediately and should be removed from the hazardous environment.

Actions to Take upon Suspected Exposure

If you suspect elevated levels of carbon monoxide are in your home and you feel ill, you should go to a neighbor’s house and call 911. The fire department will test for levels of elevated carbon monoxide in your home to determine if it is safe to re-enter.

2. How can I determine if there are elevated levels of carbon monoxide in my home?

Carbon Monoxide Detectors

The most effective way of determining whether there are elevated levels of carbon monoxide in your home is to purchase and install carbon monoxide detectors. There are two basic types of carbon monoxide detectors, plug-in or AC units, and battery operated units. Both alert you to the presence of carbon monoxide.

Plug-in Units

Plug-in units operate by heating a metal-oxide sensor, which reacts with carbon monoxide. When this type of unit detects carbon monoxide, the alarm sounds, but resets a few minutes after gas dissipates. Plug-in units can plug directly in a wall socket or utilize a power cord. If the unit has a power cord, it should be placed high on a wall, as close to the ceiling as possible.

Battery-Operated Units

The battery-operated unit has a disk that darkens from prolonged exposure to carbon monoxide, air pollution, high humidity and household vapors. The infrared sensor in the unit senses the change in the color and sounds the alarm. It is important to remember that the battery and sensor units need to be replaced every two years.

Purchasing a Detector

Carbon monoxide detectors can be purchased at general retail and hardware stores. If you have additional concerns about a particular brand, you can call the manufacturer.

3. Where should I install a carbon monoxide detector?

Carbon monoxide detectors should be placed in a hallway between bedrooms and the rest of the house. Additional detectors can be placed near every sleeping and living area. Do not place the carbon monoxide detectors in a room with a furnace! Do not place the detector in the kitchen or garage!

4. How can I prevent carbon monoxide buildup in my home in the first place?

Preventing Carbon Monoxide Buildup

Effective ways to prevent a build-up of carbon monoxide in your home are to:

• Have a qualified contractor perform an inspection of your chimney
• Install a carbon monoxide detector in your home
• Keep your home well-ventilated
• Never idle your car in the garage with the door down
• Regularly check your appliances and perform routine maintenance

Contributors to Elevated Carbon Monoxide Levels

Activities that contribute to elevated levels of carbon monoxide in the home should always be avoided. These include:

• Not checking it see if the chimney flue is open before starting a fire
• Not frequently checking the clothes dryer vent for a buildup of lint
• Not venting space heaters properly
• Using a gas or charcoal grill in the garage
• Warming up the car while still in the garage (even with the overhead door open)

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1. Who is at increased risk for flu complications?

Children younger than 5 years old - particularly children younger than 2 years old, adults 65 years of age or older and pregnant women.

Persons with chronic diseases of the lung (including asthma), heart (except hypertension), kidney, liver, blood (including sickle cell disease), brain or nervous system, muscles (particularly those that cause difficulty with swallowing), or metabolism (including diabetes mellitus); immunosuppressant (weakened immune system) including that caused by medications or by HIV.

Persons younger than 19 years of age who are receiving long-term aspirin therapy because of an increased risk for Reye syndrome.

2. What is influenza?

Influenza (also known as the flu) and influenza H1N1 are both influenza viruses that can cause mild to severe illness. Influenza usually comes on suddenly and typically includes fever and cough or sore throat. Other symptoms may include headache, extreme tiredness, runny or stuffy nose, or muscle aches. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are other flu symptoms and are typically more common in children than adults.

3. Does everyone with the flu need to see a health care provider or get tested and treated?

Most children and adults with the flu who are generally in good health will recover without needing to visit a health care provider. Some people may want to call their health care provider for advice on how to care for the flu at home.

4. I think I have the flu. Can I get tested and treatment for H1N1 influenza or seasonal flu?

Testing and treatment is not needed or recommended for most children and adults who get the flu. Antiviral medication is not currently recommended except for people with the flu who are at higher risk for complications (see below) or have severe illness.

5. Who needs to call or visit a health care provider?

Children and adults who are ill and at high risk for flu complications and people with more severe flu symptoms should call their regular health care provider or go to an urgent care clinic or emergency department if they cannot reach their health care provider. Whenever possible, call your health care provider to get advice on whether you need to be seen.

The best use of the emergency department is for individuals with symptoms of serious illness needing urgent attention; or ill individuals who are at increased risk for flu complications, and are unable to contact a health care provider.

6. When should I see a medical provider or go to an emergency room right away?

For children, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Being so irritable that the child does not want to be held
• Bluish or gray skin color (call 911 immediately)
• Fast breathing or trouble breathing
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Not drinking enough fluids
• Not waking up or not interacting
• Severe or persistent vomiting

For adults, emergency warning signs that need urgent medical attention include:

• Confusion
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Flu-like symptoms improve but then return with fever and worse cough
• Pain or pressure in the chest or abdomen
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Sudden dizziness

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1. Why must we treat wastewater?

The untreated wastewater contains pollutants and pathogenic organisms that are unsafe for people, animals, and aquatic life-forms. The wastewater is treated to a purification level set by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) before it is released to the Fox River. Our facility's treatment exceeds the level set by the IEPA. This in turn further reduces the impact on the Fox River and downstream users.

2. What happens to all the solids the wastewater facility receives?

The solids or Bio-solids are reused to treat the incoming wastewater. As the bio-solids increase a small portion is removed for "Digestion" and referred to as Sludge. The sludge is digested to further stabilize the organic matter to prevent rapid decomposition which creates odor, pathogenic organisms, and attracts bugs and vermin. Once the sludge is stabilized as much excess water as possible is removed and the sludge "cake" is hauled away to use as fertilizer on crops such as corn, soybean, and wheat.

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1. Do I need a water softener?

Adding a water softener would be a personal preference but not necessary. At the Water Facility, the Village softens the water to a soft to moderately hard level (7 to 9 grains of hardness). Water that is too soft makes it difficult to remove soap from your hands, hair and detergent from your laundry. Also, soft water can be aggressive to your plumbing and fixtures while hard water can lead to excessive scaling of pipes and fixtures.

2. Does The Village of Carpentersville add fluoride to the water supply?

Yes, fluoride is added so that the level in the drinking water is 0.6 to 0.8 milligrams per liter as required by the Illinois Department of Public Health for dental health.

3. My water is suddenly rusty, What should I do?

If your water appears rusty all of a sudden, it is probably due to work being done in the area. They may be isolating valves to do emergency repairs, or opening a hydrant. This can stir up iron sediment in the water main. The rusty water is harmless and will clear up all by itself within a couple hours. Do not do any laundry and avoid using water if possible. Running the water in your faucet will not make this clear faster.

4. Who should I contact if I have a question about water pressure or a water leak?

During normal working hours, please call the Water Division at 847-551-3492. For after hours emergencies, please call Quad Com 847-428-8784 who will contact the on call person.

5. Why do I have low pressure at one sink, but it seems fine at others?

This is often caused by debris that gets caught in the sink’s aerator (the part that screws to the end of faucet, where the water comes out). The debris is usually pipe scale, hardness build-up or debris left from initial construction. To remedy this problem, try unscrewing the aerator and cleaning out the screens, these normally can be removed for a more thorough cleaning. New aerator assemblies are also available at any hardware store.

6. Water service connection - what are the property owner's responsibilities?

The Water Department only maintains the water meter inside the home or business. All plumbing and related valves are the owner's responsibilities. Contact the Water Department for more information.

7. Are there any watering restrictions?

Currently The Village of Carpentersville has no water restrictions.

8. Who should I contact if I have a question about my water bill?

The Utility Billing Office 847-551-3476 can assist you with questions about your bill and payment options.

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1. How can I register to vote?

You can print out a registration form from the Kane County website or you may register in the Village Clerk's office at Village Hall or any facility in Kane County that offers this service.