Inspection Services

Lake County Public Works is responsible for a number of water and sewer inspection services to ensure that residential, commercial and industrial customers are in compliance with public health and environmental safety standards.  To verify that a property is within our inspection jurisdiction please view the maps of our Water Service Areas and Sewer Service Areas.  For information about building permit inspections view the Lake County Planning, Building & Development website.

Water Service Inspection
Inspection required for final permit approval prior to water meter installation

Water service inspections confirm that new or altered connections conform to the specifications of the permit application.  Contractors must provide bond verification before an inspection will be scheduled.  Connection to the distribution system is granted following final permit approval.

To schedule an inspection contact call our office or your assigned inspector at least 48 hours in advance.  You will need to provide the site location (service address, Public Works permit number, subdivision and lot number, or PIN) and the phone number of an on-site contact.  If a chlorination test is required please provide four days notice.  Water meter installation can be scheduled after final permit approval has been verified.

Sanitary Sewer Service Inspection
Inspection required for final sanitary sewer permit approval

Sanitary sewer inspections are required for new construction, repair, disconnection or reconnection of a sanitary sewer service.  Contractors must be bonded and current bond status verified before the inspection is performed.  Construction and materials must meet all defined standards before connection to the collection system is approved.

To schedule an inspection contact call our office or your assigned inspector at least 48 hours in advance.  You will need to provide the site location (service address, Public Works permit number, subdivision and lot number, or PIN) and the phone number of an on-site contact.

Backflow Prevention (Cross Connection Control) Inspection
Annual inspection required for each backflow prevention device

Backflow occurs when contaminated water from an outside source is drawn into the drinking water distribution system.  Cross connection control devices ensure the integrity of the public water system by preventing backflow incidents.  These devices are required for designated residential and commercial facilities, including all lawn irrigation and fire protection systems.  For more information view the Cross Connection Control Ordinance  (PDF format 1834KB) or contact Phil Speck at 847.377.7151.

It is the responsibility of the property owner or manager to schedule annual testing of each backflow prevention device.  Inspections must be performed by a licensed Illinois plumber with Cross Connection Control Device Inspector (CCCDI) certification.  Results of the inspection are submitted directly to our office by the CCCDI plumber.

Industrial Waste Pretreatment Monitoring
Monitoring of pollutants discharged by industrial users

Pollutants that could harm or pass through the sewage treatment process are controlled or prohibited under the Federal Water Pollution Control Act (Clean Water Act) and the Lake County Sewer Use Ordinance (PDF format 924KB).  Lake County Public Works monitors designated industries in our service areas to ensure that their discharge meets local, state and federal limits.  As the owner and operator of four wastewater treatment plants, it is our responsibility to produce a final effluent that does not impact the receiving streams or rivers. 

The Industrial Waste Survey determines if a user meets the definition of a Categorical or Significant Industrial User.  An updated survey will be required periodically and must be completed promptly upon request.  Please direct any questions to Philip Speck at 847.377.7151.

Industrial Waste Pretreatment Survey (PDF format 28KB)
PLEASE NOTE: Print this document on legal size paper.

Grease Trap Inspection
Annual inspection of grease traps at establishments which may discharge fat, oil or grease into the public sewer systems

Wastewater containing fat, oil or grease is the primary cause of sanitary sewer backups.  Lake County’s Fats, Oils and Greases (FOG) Ordinance (PDF format 1020KB) protects the sewer systems and the public health by reducing sanitary sewer overflows.  Before a sewer permit is issued, each Food Service Establishment (FSE) is required to obtain a discharge license and to install properly sized grease traps.  Lake County Public Works conducts inspections to confirm that grease control devices are operating properly and that they have been serviced and cleaned according to schedule.  For more information contact Philip Speck at 847.377.7151.

During the sewer permit process, discharge license applicants must also complete the FOG Discharge Application Form  (PDF format 32KB).

Regulated businesses document grease trap cleaning and maintenance using the Grease Trap Service Report Form  (PDF format 42KB).

For grease trap service agencies trained and certified by Lake County view our list of Preferred Grease Waste Haulers (PDF format 62KB).