City of Sparta Illinois

The Sparta Water Department will be initializing a free chlorine burnout on the water distribution system beginning October 19th shall end in approximately 30 days. This burnout is necessary maintenance of the distribution system which will help maintain the water quality.

During this period customers may temporarily experience low pressures, a slight taste and smell of chlorine, discoloration or even some sediment in their water. Also, discoloration in laundry is possible during this time. It is recommended that customers check for discolored water before adding clothes to their washing machine. This is normal and will only be temporary. Is the Water Safe to Drink? Yes, the water is safe to drink throughout this process. Customers who wish to reduce the taste of chlorine can place water in an uncovered glass container in the refrigerator overnight to dissipate chlorine faster.

Customers may see fire hydrants standing open – this is part of the process, and will be monitored by employees.

During normal business hours residents may call 618-443-2917, Ext. 165 with any questions concerning the free chlorine burnout. Sparta Water Department apologize for any inconvenience this may cause and appreciates residents’ patience and understanding as it works to further improve the quality of the water for all customers.

Construction of a replacement of the Sparta Wastewater Treatment Facility (WWTF) is financed by the Water Pollution Control State Revolving Fund (SRF). The SRF program is administered by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and receives portion of its money to fund these types of projects from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency. This project includes sanitary sewer system improvements as well as construction of a new wastewater treatment facility consisting of a headworks with grit removal, an oxidation ditch, two clarifiers, a sludge pump station, sludge digesters, sludge handling facilities and lab building. Once complete, it will improve water quality in the environment for area residents and businesses in Sparta by improving the discharge quality from the wastewater treatment facility. SRF programs operate in each state to provide communities the resources necessary to build, maintain and improve the infrastructure that protects one of our most valuable resources: water.