We understand this is a stressful time for our community and for the households and businesses we serve. Please know that The City of Elmhurst employees are here for you and are committed to taking all steps necessary to maintain safe, reliable water and sanitary services. Here is some important information regarding the City’s water and sanitary operations during this time. 

• You can continue normal use of tap water for all your normal daily uses such as: drinking, cooking, cloths washing, showering, bathing, and especially washing of your hands.
• The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends that Americans continue to use and drink tap water as usual.
• COVID-19 has not been detected in any drinking water supplies.
• According to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): “Conventional water treatment methods that use filtration and disinfection, such as those used by The City of Chicago, DuPage Water Commission (chlorination if needed) and City of Elmhurst (chlorination if needed), should remove or inactivate the virus that causes COVID-19.”
• The World Health Organization adds that the “presence of the COVID-19 virus has not been detected in drinking-water supplies and based on current evidence the risk to water supplies is low.”
• Handwashing using tap water is critical to preventing the spread of COVID-19. CDC and other health organizations recommend frequent handwashing for at least 20 seconds each time.
• Remember that your toilet should not be used as a trash can. Do not treat other items like toilet paper. Please do not flush paper towels, “flushable” wipes, napkins, tampons, cotton balls, dental floss or other substances. Flushing non-biodegradable items can result in backups and overflows.
• We are well-prepared to continue providing water service throughout this pandemic. We have staff and infrastructure in place to maintain water service around the clock to help keep the residents and business in Elmhurst healthy, clean, and hydrated.
• Given the importance of hygiene and sanitation to prevent the spread of COVID-19, we are postponing water shutoffs until further notice.
• We are also limiting our field service calls to emergencies related to immediate health and safety concerns.

If anyone has any questions about water and sanitary services, please reach out to Paul Burris, Utility Operations Manager at 630-330-0895.