Check here for updates on the progress of the water system upgrade project.
August 19th, 2025
The previously issued boil order has been lifted.
August 15th, 2025
3:15pm – The fire hydrant has been repaired and pressure to the system is building back up. It will take several hours for it to fully recharge. Hydrant flushing was almost finished, but further work is suspended indefinitely. A boil order remains in effect until further notice.
8am – There is a broken fire hydrant on Blackhawk Dr., causing the water system to lose pressure. We are working to get it repaired as quickly as possible.
August 13th, 2025
6:00 pm – A boil order is still in effect.
The fire hydrants on Hopewell Dr. from Cahokia to the front hill, as well as the side streets along that route have been flushed. The main lines are running very clear now. Running cold water in your home should flush out any residuals in water supply lines.
Hydrant flushing will continue tomorrow on Illini Dr. from Sioux Dr. through Yuma Trail. The water pressure may drop at times due to the flushing.
Aug 12th, 2025
3:30 pm – Water is back on and filling the system. There is a possibility that a new leak could show up once the system is back to normal pressure. If this happens, it may be necessary to turn off the water again until the crew can return in the morning. We should know by early this evening.
A boil order is in effect.
Aug 9th, 2025
We are planning on replacing the water tower valves next week dependent on the weather and contractor’s schedule. This will require the tower to be emptied, and the Village will be without water for the day. The goal is to get both valves replaced and the water service restored on the same day.
We are currently planning on Tuesday the 12th but this can change. Check back for updates next week.
Residents should prepare by stocking up on bottled water and filling containers for use in fixtures. On the day work commences, the pump would be shut off and the tower drained starting at 6am. There will be a boil order in effect from that time.
The water tank will be at the Village hall for filling containers.
Hydrant flushing:
We need to flush hydrants throughout the village. When the water is restored, we plan on flushing hydrants for the following few days. Unfortunately, the current system will not maintain proper pressure while that happens so we would continue the boil order for those days as well. This should not cause a water outage, but the pressure will vary throughout the day. Flushing would happen between 7am and 7 pm.
As always, we are working with a very old and unforgiving system. Many things could go wrong and extend the timeline. We will update this page daily and send phone messages when needed.
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.
July 23, 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. The water will remain untreated (softened) 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
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 they become 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,
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 initially expected on June 16th or 17th which is why the softeners were removed last week.
The new pump control switch 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, which requires 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 to avoid 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
12:00 – There is bottled water at Village Hall if you need it. Thank you!
10:30 am update – 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 update – There is a company on the way to inspect and hopefully 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 update – 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 – 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.
Previous Updates
June 2025 Water Upgrade Letter
March 2025 Water Availability Rate Increase