Check here for periodic updates on the progress of the water system upgrade project.
July 23rd, 2025
The second water softener tank has passed testing with the health department. Both tanks are now operating and treating the water flowing to the village.
There are no new updates regarding the water tower and replacement shut off valves to it.
July 16th, 2025
One of the new water softener tanks has passed testing from the health department, while the other tank failed. It will be further disinfected and a new sample will go out on Monday. This means the water will remain untreated with elevated levels of radium. We still have cases of bottled water available at Village Hall for anyone that would like one.
The tanker truck will be leaving soon for other jobs while we work to get our water tower shut off valves repaired or replaced. Since we cannot bypass the water tower with the current shut off valves, we do not need the tanker truck at this time. Repairs to the valves will take at least 2 weeks depending on obtaining parts and scheduling.
The leak in the water tower has been steady with no changes. Our main goal is to find the best solution for these repairs that avoids a lengthy water outage.
July 11th, 2025
6:00pm – The shut off valves for the water tower do not work. We are speaking with companies that have experience replacing them, and should have an updated plan of action after Tuesday’s board meeting.
The water work scheduled for today is postponed and there is no boil order. We will provide more details when available.
July 10th, 2025
The new softeners did not pass their water test. They have been given another round of disinfection and another sample will be sent in on Monday.
The tanker trailer to allow the tower to be taken off line for repair is set up and has passed its water test. The hydrant it will be hooked up to, though, may have a leak. A crew will be here in the morning (Friday July 11th) to check it out and repair as needed.
If the hydrant needs to be replaced, we will need to turn off the well and shut all the valves to the tower, plant, and village so it can be done. Expect a possible water outage sometime after 7:30am Friday the 11th. If all goes well, water should be restored in a few hours.
A boil order will be needed if the hydrant is replaced. We will alert you with an all-call message, signs will be posted, as well as an update here if that happens.
July 7th, 2025
The new water softeners are installed, and we have submitted a sample of water from inside them to test before turning them on. This will avoid a general boil order for the entire village. The softeners will be turned on once we get the all-clear from the health department.
July 3rd, 2025
The new water softeners have been installed, but due to the holiday weekend, they will not be activated until July 7th (Monday). Once activated we will notify everyone of a boil order.
No change in the status of the water tower. Updates will be posted as we have them.
June 30th, 2025
Our new water softeners will be delivered today, and Culligan will be installing them tomorrow (Tuesday). When the new system is activated, it will likely require a boil order due to the new equipment introduced to our water supply. An all-call alert will be issued at that time, along with our normal signs being posted at both entrances. If you are still not on our notification list, you can sign up here.
June 25th, 2025
We have received confirmation from Culligan that the new water softeners will ship on Monday, June 30th, with installation anticipated later that week. They were expected on June 16th or 17th which is why the softeners were removed initially.
The new pump controller has been successfully installed and is functioning properly. We are exploring the addition of a backup controller to automatically shut down the pump in the event of a primary failure, providing added system redundancy.
The temporary water tanker truck, which will substitute for the tower during repairs, is expected to arrive within a week. A boil order will be issued at that time due to the introduction of a new component requiring water testing. While no service interruption is expected, residents should be aware that unforeseen issues may arise.
New wiring has been installed in the pump house to accommodate the installation of an oil-free compressor. We are also working with contractors to install sensors that will help restore the tower’s pressure system. These improvements will be made while the tank is offline.
Our top priority remains ensuring continuous water service to all homes, however, the recent tank leak highlights the aging condition of our infrastructure. Residents are encouraged to keep an emergency water supply on hand. Bottled water is available at the Village Hall if needed.
If you experience unusual water pressure or observe signs of a leak, please contact the Village immediately – 309-274-5145.
June 19th, 2025
A faulty control switch has been identified and we are working with companies to find an upgrade. The system is being monitored during the day and the pump is turned off during the night in case of further water tower deterioration. Please try to avoid water usage between 10pm and 6am while we work to get the tower repaired.
The new water softener installation is delayed. Culligan messed up the delivery of the new softeners, and we are still waiting on an update from them. It may be next week before we have what we need. We understand this is an inconvenience to have untreated water longer than anticipated, but it is out of our hands at this time. Our primary concern is keeping the water system running and flowing to homes.
June 18th, 2025
11:30 am – The boil order has been lifted. The water remains untreated, but is safe to consume with elevated radium. To learn more visit: http://villageofhopewell.com/radium
10:30 am – The company has confirmed that the water tower leak will be fine for now. However, the well pump’s on/off controls are not working properly which affected water pressure. This is being inspected. Water is restored now, but be prepared for possible low pressure as work continues. A boil order remains in effect.
9:00 am – A company is on the way out this morning to inspect and repair the water tower. We will share more information as it becomes available.
There is a tank of water at Village Hall to fill buckets if needed, and we’ll post when bottled water is available.
June 17th, 2025
9:00pm – The leak in the water tower has caused pressure issues and other problems. Our water system is now offline. We are unable to get anyone out tonight to work on it. A water tank with non-potable water will be at Village hall and bottled water will be brought in for residents after noon tomorrow.
5:00pm – URGENT UPDATE. Our water tower has sprung a leak and is quickly losing pressure. We are trying to locate a tanker truck to use, but there is a high chance we will need to drain the tower again and water will be off. Please fill up your tubs and buckets to use.
June 16th, 2025
As of 3:30 pm the work for day was completed as planned. The water system is recharging, and maintenance is bleeding air from the lines. Water pressure should return to normal levels this evening, but the water will remain untreated and a boil order will remain in effect until further notice.
June 11th, 2025
On Monday June 16th, water to the entire village will be turned off starting at 4a.m. The water tower will be drained at this time, and a boil order and burn ban will be in effect until further notice. A water tank of non-potable water will be available to fill your own containers with at Village Hall. We hope to have water restored later that day, but it will be untreated. Please check here for continuous updates.
May 28, 2025
After discussions with the IEPA, we found that we could apply for an emergency permit to replace our water filtration system due to its poor condition and the long lead time to get replacement equipment. The emergency permit was approved by the IEPA and bypasses all the red tape, which will finally allow us to move forward.
We have a target date of the 3rd week of June to replace our softeners with the new Culligan system.
Due to the deteriorated condition of the plant, we also need to replace the main shutoff valves entering and exiting the plant. This will require the water to be shut off and the tower drained to prevent backflow from flooding the building.
We understand the inconvenience of this, but it will allow us to accomplish several overdue tasks. The plan is to have the water turned off for part of a day. Water service would be restored as soon as possible using untreated water from the well, which would occur for 1 to 2 days. The new softeners should be online after that time, and fully treated water service restored.
The basic timeline for softener replacement
Day 1 (water service interruption and boil order)
- Well is turned off and water tower is drained.
- Main shutoffs are replaced, and a new flow meter is installed.
- New shutoffs are added to allow the removal of the current softeners after the water is turned back on.
- Water tower hatch is removed, and the tower is inspected.
- Pneumatic (air) system for the tower will be tested for function.
- Miscellaneous repairs will be made to the water supply lines to the Village Hall building facilities.
- Water is turned on. (Boil order in effect, and residents are cautioned that the radium levels will be slightly above guidelines but there should be little risk for drinking or cooking due to the short term use.) See this article for more info; Radium in drinking water — health risks and treatment methods | Fehr Graham – Blog
- Old softeners will be drained and removed from the water plant, and the floor will be cleaned.
Day 2
- Culligan will begin installing new softeners
Day 3
- Final installation and configuration of the system
- Provide training for the water operator
- Treated water service is restored to the Village.
Day 4
- Boil order should be lifted based on test samples.
All of that work will be done for less than $100,000 rather than the previous plan’s outrageous cost of $1.9 million.
We encourage everyone to stock up on water beforehand and we will have a water truck at Village Hall. Hopefully, the work can be finished faster, but there is always the chance of unexpected problems that can delay the project. We will update residents frequently as the work commences.
Sign up for alerts
Everyone is encouraged to sign up for village updates through the All Call phone alert system. Fill out this form, contact clerk@villageofhopewell.com, or call 309-274-5145 to sign up.
Future work planned in 2025
- The water tower will be cleaned internally and repaired as needed (Water service is not planned to be interrupted). We hope the pneumatic (air) system can be restored which should fix pressure issues and allow proper hydrant flushing to be done. The current air compressor is oil lubricated which is no longer allowed and will be replaced.
- The sand filter for our softener discharge will be installed to meet IEPA discharge requirements.
Future work beyond 2025
- Revised plans are being created to install the additional well and a backup generator.
- We are looking to switch from an elevated water tower design to a ground based tank with pressure generating pumps instead. This should meet our requirements at a much lower cost and reduce our long term maintenance costs in the future.
- Investigate adding additional water plant components to improve water quality to the Village.
Previous Updates
March 2025 Water Availability Rate Increase