E J WATER COOPERATIVE, INC.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where does the water come from?
Two well fields that tap the sand and gravel aquifier associated with the Embarras River Valley.
Is the water tested periodically?
Water testing is regulated by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). Water is tested daily at the treatment plant for several parameters. Additional samples from the distribution system are tested monthly. Each year a consumer confidence report (CCR) is mailed to all our customers or made available on our web site. The CCR tabulates all of the test results for the preceding year.
What size are the water mains?
Our distribution system consists of PVC water mains from 4” to 8” diameter, sometimes 10”. Your service line from the meter will most likely be 1” to 1 ½” depending on the distance.
How deep is the line buried?
The water main is buried at least 42” deep, even across hilly areas or under creeks.
When will water actually be available? Does the entire phase have to be completed before the water is turned on?
Water can be provided as portions of each phase are completed at the discretion of the contractor.
Is the water hard or soft?
A water softener is not necessary, although some customers desire to use a water softener. E J Water is moderately hard, averaging about 16 grains per gallons or 280 parts per million.
Where does E J’s right-of-way easement start?
E J’s right-of-way easement generally starts where the public right-of-way ends, usually twenty feet from the center of the road. The easement most likely will encompass the next twenty feet; however, when laying the water main, E J tries to stay within the first 5 feet of private property. The 20-foot easement, in most situations, does allow us enough room to install the water main. A wider easement may be requested in order to avoid obstacles such as large trees, and to minimize damage. A right-of-way easement is only necessary where the water main is located; access to the water meters and service lines are included in the user’s contract.
Can the water line be installed without damaging or removing fences?
The contractor is not allowed to cut or remove fences without the property owner’s permission. In most cases the contractor will backhoe under the fence. If a fence has to be removed it will be replaced to a good or better condition. In any event the property owner should be notified before any fences are removed.
If the area E J needs to cross is fenced in, does the contractor contact the landowner prior to entering the property?
Yes. The property owner, or their representative, must be present to allow the construction crew access to fenced areas.
How much is a membership?
Under current policy, if membership is purchased prior to the water main being constructed, the cost is $750.00 ($125 sign up fee and $625 tap on fee). Prices are subject to change.
How much is the membership if I decide to sign up after the line has been installed?
Under current policy, if a membership is purchased after the line is constructed, the cost is $1,500.00. Additional costs may be assessed if water service is requested for property where an easement has been refused.
How much is the minimum monthly payment and how much water do we receive for this minimum amount?
E J’s current minimum bill of $22.65 includes 750 gallons of water. Usage over 750 gallons is $4.90 per 1,000 gallons. On average, a person uses 50 gallons of water per day, or 1,500 gallons per month. An average water bill of 5,000 gallons per month equals $43.48. Approximately 30 days after your meter is installed, you will begin receiving a minimum bill, regardless of usage.
Where will my meter be placed?
The meter needs to be located where it can be easily read by our P.I. (a radio read computer that reads from a vehicle on the road). The meter should be readily accessible by our servicemen and vehicles, preferably within 10 to 20 feet of the driveway. The meter, in most cases, may be placed anywhere on the property adjacent to the water main or adjacent to the property line.
Will E J install a water line to my house?
No. The property owner is responsible for connecting a service line from the meter to the home.
Who do I contact to do this work?
Any licensed plumber. The work should be done in accordance with the Illinois Plumbing Code. Note: The Illinois Plumbing Code requires an expansion tank on the water heater. The homeowner may also install the service line if they choose to do so.
Is the landowner required to have their work inspected if they install the line themselves from the meter?
No. However, it does need to be constructed in accordance with the Illinois Plumbing Code and
E J reserves the right to inspect the work.
Is it possible to hook up to the water line at my well, so that I can use my well water or E J Water as needed – using just a switch to go from well to E J?
It is possible, but it is not advised. If this is done, a reduced pressure zone valve (RPZ valve) must be installed and inspected each year by a licensed cross connection inspector, with a report of the inspection filed each year with the E J Water Office. There is a substantial additional cost for installation and annual inspection of the RPZ Valve.
Can the same line running from my well to my house be used for E J?
Yes, but only after the well has been abandoned.
What about property damage during the installation of the water line?
The contractor is responsible for clean-up when the project is complete. It will be several months after construction of the water main before clean up begins. The ground is allowed to settle before leveling. Lawns are re-seeded and gravel is replaced in driveways. E J will monitor the clean up, and we will do everything possible to facilitate the process. We will appreciate your patience as the clean up is being done. Individuals who have signed an easement are entitled to crop damage, but it is the property owner’s responsibility to file a brief claim for the crop damage with the E J Water Office.
What about crop damage?
E J Water pays for crop damage due to any construction or maintenance of the water main. We have a brief form that the landowner or farmer uses to fill in the crop loss information. Crop damage payments have historically been higher than market prices.
If we haven’t answered your questions here, please feel free to give us a call @ (217) 925-5566. Office hours are 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Monday through Friday. We also welcome your comments.
