Skip to main content
CityRuleLookup

Chicago, IL Water Use Rules: Leak Reporting Duty (2026)

Significant Restrictions
Compiled from the official code textEditor Martyn O'NeillLast verified August 2026

Key Facts

Notice-to-fix window
24 hours
Enforcement
Commissioner cuts off water
Restoration condition
Owner pays shutoff/turn-on cost
Governing body
Dept. of Water Management

Summary

Owners get 24 hours after city notice to fix a leak or water waste before the city cuts off supply.

If it shall be found that there is a waste of water in or about any building, structure or premises, to which water is supplied from the Chicago Waterworks System, through or by means of a leak in any water pipe located in any such building or structure or in or on any such premises, or by using an opening for cooling or like purposes, the commissioner shall cause the water supply to be cut off from such building, structure, or premises, unless such waste or use shall be stopped or shall cease within 24 hours after he shall have given notice to the owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control of such building, structure or premises to stop such waste or use. Where the water supply is cut off from any building, structure or premises on account of neglect, failure or refusal of any person so notified to stop leakage, the water supply shall not again be turned on until the cost and expense to the city of cutting off and again turning on such water supply shall have been paid by such owner, occupant or person in possession, charge or control. (Prior code § 185-10; Amend Coun. J. 12-4-02, p. 99026, § 1.12)

Source: Chicago Department of Water ManagementView official code

Official source re-checked September 7, 2026: no newer edition of the code had been published (publisher’s edition: 2026 S-74: Current through Council Journal of June 17, 2026).

Full Breakdown

When the Department of Water Management finds waste from a leaking pipe or an open cooling connection at a building supplied by the Chicago Waterworks System, the commissioner notifies the owner, occupant, or person in control. That person has 24 hours from the notice to stop the leak or waste. If it isn't stopped in time, the commissioner shuts off the water supply, and service isn't restored until the owner pays the city's cost of cutting off and turning the water back on.

Violations & Fines

Water shutoff at the property after the 24-hour window lapses, plus city costs to disconnect and later reconnect service before restoration.

Frequently Asked Questions

What happens if I don't fix a leak after the city notifies me?
The commissioner cuts off your water supply, and it stays off until you pay the city's cost of shutting it off and turning it back on.
Who decides a leak is wasting water?
The Water Management commissioner or department staff make that finding after inspecting the building or premises.

Sources & Official References

Other rules in Chicago

All Chicago rules

Compare Chicago to another location·View the Illinois water use rules overview

Get notified when Leak Reporting Duty in Chicago, IL changes

We'll email you the moment we detect a change in the code. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.

We'll never sell or share your email. One-click unsubscribe in every email.

See something wrong?

Help us keep this page accurate. If you notice an error or outdated information, let us know.

Leak Reporting Duty in Nearby Cities

How other cities in Cook County handle leak reporting duty.

Tinley Park, IL
Some Restrictions