Public Works

The Public Works Department is committed to providing our community with the highest quality of public service that continually enhances the quality of life for all of our citizens. This commitment will be accomplished through the proper utilization of all allotted resources.

Dear Residents,

Please note that due to the early arrival of heavy snow, leaf pick-up services have been suspended.

As soon as the weather permits, we will dedicate our time and resources until every pile is picked up.

We apologize for any inconvenience this may cause.

St. John Public Works Department

Frequently Asked Questions: Low Water Pressure

I have low water pressure. What should I check first?

If you are experiencing low water pressure, first determine if it is isolated to your home. If a larger issue like a water main leak or a repair occurs, it will typically affect your entire street or neighborhood and water pressure will improve once the break is repaired. If the issue is unique to your residence, it is likely an internal plumbing problem, often times your water softener.

How do I troubleshoot my water softener?

A common cause of low water pressure is a clogged water softener pre-filter. We recommend changing your pre-filter every six months to ensure it effectively catches impurities and allows your softener to perform at 100%. If you have changed the filter and still experience low pressure, try the following:

1. By-pass the softener: Close the by-pass valve to see if pressure improves.

2. Check for sediment: If a pre-filter is not changed regularly, sediment and scale can escape and clog the softener’s resin bed.

3. Professional Maintenance: If by-passing the unit does not resolve the issue, you may have a failing control valve or worn internal seals. In this case, please contact your water softener service provider for maintenance.

LAWN SPRINKLER WINTERIZATION REMINDER

The Indiana Department of Environmental Management (IDEM) requires every water supplier to develop and implement a comprehensive cross connection control program for the elimination of existing cross connections and prevention or protection from all future cross connections on potable drinking water systems. Regulations are enforced to keep our drinking
water safe.

Lawn sprinkler systems should be winterized soon, if not already. If your backflow preventer is located outdoors, remember to either blow it out or remove & store it someplace warm for the winter. You may cover it outside with a blanket, towels, or similar temporarily until it is removed. Insulation and/or heat tape may also be used, but all would be insufficient protection for the winter. Allowing it to freeze is a costly mistake.

Once removed, remember where you stored it. You will need to give the backflow preventer toyour lawn irrigation contractor or plumber next spring to re-install it. Note that the PlumbingCode requires that your backflow preventer be tested upon re-installation every season by a certified tester.
Residential backflow preventers may be found on lawn irrigation systems, wet fire protection systems, hot water heating (boiler) systems, swimming pool fills, water features, etc. Backflow preventers may also exist or be required if there is another water source on the site such as a
well, pond, river, etc.

The Town of St. John’s Cross Connection Control Program is designed to safeguard public health. We ask for your cooperation with our program, its enforcement, and any requests for information that come from our program management firm of Aqua Backflow or Utility staff.

Program questions can be directed to Aqua Backflow at info@aquabackflow.com or by calling
847-742-2296

Public Works would like to express our sincere gratitude to the students from Crown Point Christian School who visited our facility. We thoroughly enjoyed sharing an inside look into our daily operations and providing the children with an up-close experience with our equipment.

Now hiring Seasonal Snowplow Drivers

Employment_Application_Form.pdf (stjohnin.gov)

Bulk Water Station

The Town of St. John Water Department’s Bulk water Vending Station is located at the Public Works Facility, 9350 Hack Street. Currently, potable water may be purchased at the station for a cost of $5.00 per 1,000 gallons or any fraction thereof. Effective 6/16/25, the rate will increase to $10 per 1,000 gallons. The station only accepts $1, $5 and $10 bills and does not give back change.

The Town has installed this station as a way to provide contractors with a safe, convenient and legal way to obtain large quantities of water. For your convenience, the station will be open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

Fire Hydrant Flushing

A limited amount of “spot” hydrant flushing will occur throughout the Town as needed during the spring and summer months.
Since flushing the fire hydrants causes some disturbance in the water lines, as a safeguard, please allow your water to run a few seconds to make sure it is clear before washing clothes.