Water Use Rules in Illinois (2026)
11 rules on the books across Illinois, 10 cities and counties. Select a rule to read the full details.
Severity: Few Restrictions · Light Restrictions · Some Restrictions · Significant Restrictions · Heavy Restrictions
Recycled Water Rules
Where purple-pipe recycled water is required for irrigation, dual-plumbing requirements for new construction, and cross-connection-control rules.
Cook County
Some RestrictionsCook County requires a Building Commissioner permit before installing reclaimed (recycled) water, gray water, or…
Read full rule →Joliet
Light RestrictionsJoliet lets property owners irrigate with a recycled water system any time, any day, exempt from the city's odd/even…
Read full rule →Aurora
Few RestrictionsAurora exempts plant watering done with reclaimed greywater, recycled effluent, or harvested rainwater from its…
Read full rule →Schaumburg
Few RestrictionsSchaumburg's water conservation ordinance carves out an explicit exception for recycled water: § 51.003(E) allows…
Read full rule →Leak Reporting Duty
Property owner's duty to report and repair water leaks within a set window once notified, plus how utilities issue leak-adjustment credits and impose penalties.
Chicago
Significant RestrictionsOwners get 24 hours after city notice to fix a leak or water waste before the city cuts off supply.
Read full rule →Aurora
Some RestrictionsAurora property owners on city water must notify the city as soon as they know pipes or accessories under their control…
Read full rule →DuPage County
Some RestrictionsIn unincorporated DuPage County, the property owner, not the County, is on the hook for water leaks past the curb stop…
Read full rule →Rockford
Some RestrictionsRockford water customers must repair property leaks within 5 days and report any leak in the system immediately upon…
Read full rule →Springfield
Some RestrictionsCity Water, Light and Power can cut off water to a building with an unrepaired leak, but only after giving the owner or…
Read full rule →Tinley Park
Some RestrictionsAnyone excavating near Tinley Park water mains, hydrants or valves must immediately report any resulting damage or…
Read full rule →Winnebago County
Some RestrictionsWinnebago County water district customers must keep every service pipe free of leaks. Once the county's water…
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