Water Utilities

At the Village of McLean, we are committed to providing safe, high-quality water services to our community, while maintaining a standard of excellence in customer service and environmental conservation. Feel free to call our office if you have any questions or need assistance with any matters related to the water we provide.

If you are having an issue with your water supply outside of Village office hours, please call the McLean Police Non-Emergency Number: 309-874-2731.

Water Main Flushing

The process of periodically “flushing” water lines with fire hydrants is an important preventive maintenance activity. Although it may appear to waste water, this process is part of a routine maintenance program necessary to maintain the integrity of the water system and allow us to continue to deliver the highest-quality water possible to our community.

The flushing route is carefully planned, and valves are opened and closed to control the direction of the water flow. Flushing the water system on a routine basis removes sediment from lines and keeps the entire distribution system refreshed. As a result of the line flushing process, residents in the immediate vicinity of the work may experience temporary discoloration of their water. This discoloration consists primarily of harmless silt and air and does not affect the safety of the water. If you experience discoloration in your water after crews have been flushing in your neighborhood, clear the pipes in your own home by running all water faucets for a minute or two.

In-Home Water Line Flushing

This same philosophy of water line preventive maintenance is one that you should use in your own home to ensure the quality of your water. Your home’s water heater should be drained and flushed on a regular basis, according to manufacturer's recommendations, to keep it working effectively and efficiently. NOTE: We would suggest that you flush your hot water heater after each flushing program by the Village, which takes place in the spring and the fall.

Also, if you go out of town and there is no water use in your home for a week or more, when you return, it is always a good idea to run all your faucets for a minute or so before using the water. This ensures that you don’t use any stagnant water that may have developed in your home’s pipes while you were away. Water your house plants with this potentially stagnant water so it’s not wasted.

Contact Info

Jenny Denham
Office Manager
121 South Hamilton St
McLean, IL 61754
309-874-2102
officemgr@mclean-il.com

Frequently Asked Questions

Why does my water look funny after hydrant flushing?

When a hydrant is opened, there will always be temporary incidences of discolored water containing fine sediment particles. There is no health hazard associated with discolored water. Allow a few hours for discoloration to dissipate. To verify the water has settled, allow your cold water tap to run for a few minutes. If the discoloration persists for more than two days, please contact our office at 309-874-2102.

Won’t flushing hydrants also cause problems by “stirring up” sediment in the water?

While the long-term benefits of systematic flushing are well documented, individual flushing activities may cause temporary disturbances in the water system. These could include water with sediment or discoloration, or temporary disruption of service.

How can I find out when hydrants will be flushed in my area?

When flushing is planned, the Village will place a notice at the Village Office and post office, and an alert will be posted on this website. Keep in mind that flushing cycles may take several weeks to complete.

What should I do if I'm having a problem with my water supply and the Village office is closed?

If you are having an issue with your water supply outside of Village office hours, please call the McLean Police Non-Emergency Number: 309-874-2731.