Oswego obtains its water from a deep underground pool of water called an aquifer. As this source of water is limited, Oswego is one of many communities which have enacted conservation regulations to help ensure that water is available for everyone.

Discover more water-saving strategies in the Village's water conservation pamphlet. Access the printable version of the pamphlet by clicking here: Simple Steps to Save Water.

Household Savings

Tips:

• Monitor your water bill to look for higher than expected usage. This could be a sign that you have a leak somewhere.
• Repair leaky faucets, toilets, and outdoor hose hardware.
• Install WaterSense showerheads, bathroom faucets, toilets when constructing a new or remodeling your home.
• Create a water-smart landscape that minimizes the need for watering.

Lawn Watering 

Tips:

•  The timing of when you water your lawn can be just as influential as the amount of water you use. To achieve optimal outcomes, it's advisable to water your lawn or garden in the cool morning hours, as this minimizes evaporation caused by the midday sun.  
• Let your lawn grown.  Raise your lawn mower blade to at least 3 inches.  Taller grass promotes deeper roots and holds soil moister better.
• Install WaterSense irrigation controllers to make your system more water-efficient. 

Rules & Restrictions

Watering from the Village of Oswego water distribution system may only be used as follows:

All properties with even-numbered street numbers (i.e. numbers ending in 0, 2, 4, 6, or 8) may use Village distributed water for sprinkling or automatic water systems for plant or yard watering on even-numbered calendar dates between the hours of 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All properties with odd-numbered street numbers (i.e. numbers ending in (1, 3, 5, 7, or 9) may use Village-distributed water for sprinkling or automatic water systems for plant or yard watering on odd-numbered calendar dates between the hours of 4:00 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.

All non-addressed properties including, but not limited to, subdivision entrances, roadway islands, and parkways may use Village distributed water for sprinkling or automatic water systems for plant or yard watering on Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays between the hours of 6:00 a.m. and 9:00 a.m. and also between the hours of 6:00 p.m. and 9:00 p.m.

Notwithstanding the provisions of the paragraphs above, the following special regulations shall apply:

You may water or sprinkle gardens, trees, shrubs, or other outdoor plants at any time using a hand-held watering device, illage water may be used for watering or sprinkling gardens, trees, shrubs, or other outdoor plants 

The automatic watering of trees and shrubs by means of root feeders within the drip line of the tree or shrub will follow the even/odd restrictions stated above.

Planting sod or grass seed is prohibited during the months of July and August.

Property owners or residents who want to continuously water a newly seeded, slit-seeded, or sodded area more than 90 square feet needs to obtain a permit at the Public Works Department, 100 Theordore or Village Hall, 100 Parkers Mill.
There is no fee for this permit; however, violators will be fined. (Village Code 8-7-14)

Enforcement

Violation of the irrigation provisions is a Class 1 violation described in Section 1-4-3 of the Village Code. Starting the week of July 3, 2023, the Village will first issue a warning for a violation. Thereafter, a ticket will be written for each offense. 

Fines:

First offense $ 55.00

Second offense $75.00

Third and subsequent offenses $100.00

Maximum fine up to $750.00

Swimming Pools

Tips: 

• Identify and repair any leaks.
• Add a pool cover to reduce evaporation. 
• Properly maintain your pool water.
• Minimize splashing out of the pool.
• Change your filter.

Rules:

Persons wishing to fill their pool may have the water brought in by tank by a private contractor or use their private garden hose to do so. The filling of swimming pools with hydrant water is prohibited. When utilizing a private hose, homeowners are advised to adhere to the Village's water distribution system regulations mentioned earlier in the Lawn Watering section. 

Install a Rain Barrel

Rain barrels help conserve water by collecting rainwater from your rooftop and storing it for later use in the garden, saving you money on watering. The rainwater collected is softer than tap water, too, making rain barrels a great way to water delicate plants in your landscape. 

Each spring Oswego partners with the Conservation Foundation and Upcycle to promote the purchase of rain barrels.  You can contact the Conservation Foundation at 630-428-4500 or info@theconservationfoundation.org. 

Rain barrels are now available for the 2024 season. Mail-in orders are due April 12. Online orders are due April 14.

Order your rain barrels online HERE.

Household Savings

Tips:

• Monitor your water bill to look for higher than expected usage.  This could be a sign that you have a leak somewhere.
• Repair leaky faucets, toilets, and outdoor hose bibs.
• Install WaterSense showerheads, bathroom faucets, toilets when constructing a new or remodeling your home.
• Create a water-smart landscape that minimizes the need for watering.