Highland Public Works - Water Treatment; Water Reclamation; Street & Alley; Water Distribution / Sewer Collection
Public Works Street and Alley division maintains improvements within the rights-of-way of Highland. Various duties include street sweeping, snow plowing, sidewalk repair and replacement, pavement patching, tree pruning and removal, storm sewer maintenance, mosquito abatement, grass and weed control of right-of-way, and maintenance of approximately sixty miles of streets and alleys.
The Water Distribution / Sewer Collection Department duties include water main repair, hydrant flushing, hydrant testing, new water services, sanitary sewer main jetting, and manhole maintenance. The department is responsible for 67 miles of water main and 42 miles of sanitary sewer.
The Water Reclamation Facility processes the wastewater for Highland residents. The plant treats sewage from 42 miles of sewer main. The process uses an oxidation ditch and aerobic digester to treat an average 1.1 million gallons per day (gpd) with a total design capacity of 1.6 million gpd.
The Water Treatment Plant processes and supplies water to Highland, St. Jacob, Grantfork, and Pierron. The plant treats surface water drawn from Silver Lake. The average daily process produces 1.2 million gallons per day (gpd) with a total design capacity of 4.2 million gpd. Finished water is stored and distributed from the two ground storage tanks on Illinois State Route 143, the elevated tower at 13th and Zschokke Streets, and the clear well at the plant which is located at Highland Silver Lake Park.
Mission Statement for the Department of Public Works
To serve the community with efficient operations in a timely, professional manner. To provide safe and ample water supply, adequate sanitary sewer collection and treatment, and a safe and efficient roadway system. To maintain existing infrastructure and prudent guidance for future infrastructure.