PUBLIC WORKS FAQs
Pubic Works Forestry Department
Q: Who takes care of my parkway tree?
A: On a rotating basis, City crews periodically prune parkway trees throughout the City. Watering, pest control, etc. are the responsibility of the homeowner.
Q: May I remove a parkway tree if I decide I don't like it?
A: All tree removal in the right-of-way must be approved by the Director of Public Works who can be contacted at 708-749-4700
Q: Why does my new tree have wrap on it?
A: After the City plants a tree an insulation wrap is provided to aid during winter weather preventing damage to the bark on young trees.
Parkway Trees
Q: Is it all right to prune my parkway tree?
A: Homeowners should not attempt to prune parkway trees. As parkway trees are in the City right-of-way, they are the responsibility of Public Works. These trees are trimmed to specific specifications. The City has contractors who trim trees as well as our in-house staff. If a homeowner would like his/her professional to trim their parkway tree at their expense they must contact Public Works at 7087-749-4700 for permission.
Q: Can I put too much mulch on my tree?
A: Yes, however, any more than 2 to 3 inches prevents water from getting to the roots of the tree. Also, do not mound the mulch or dirt around the trunk of the tree. This can make the tree vulnerable to diseases and insects. An alternative is to saucer the mulch or dirt around the tree to help capture water.
Q: When should I water?
A: Generally speaking, trees require one inch of water per week When in leaf, either from rain or homeowner. Set a hose to trickle over the area within the drip line and move the hose periodically to cover as much of the root zone as possible. Care must be taken not to over water trees, as too much water can kill the tree as well.
Q: Who should I contact if my parkway tree looks sick or dead?
A: Contact Public Works at 708-749-4700 to have the City to check out any problems with parkway trees and perform any remedy required.
Public Works - Drinking Water
Q: Where does my drinking water come from?
A: The City of Berwyn purchases its water from the City of Chicago, whose water treatment facility collects and processes from Lake Michigan. Processed water is then pumped to the City of Berwyn elevated tank located at Public Works. From there, it is pumped into the water distribution system.
Q: How safe is my drinking water?
A: The water supplied to the City of Berwyn is very safe as it must meet the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's standards for safe drinking water. Public Works also keeps watch over the water supply on a 24 hour basis.
Q: Periodically, my water tastes and smells funny. Why does this occur?
A: The most common reasons for taste and odor problems with drinking water include chlorine that is added to the water to kill bacteria; Non-toxic algae, bacteria, and tiny fungi grow in surface water sources and give off nontoxic, smelly chemicals that cause unpleasant tastes in drinking water. Different algae cause different tastes and odors, for example a grassy, swampy taste. The tiny fungi can cause an earthy musty taste; and Metallic tastes can come from iron rust in iron pipes. Odor poses no health impact and is strictly aesthetic.
Q: What can I do about these taste and odor problems?
A: In-home water filtration systems that employ activated carbon can help reduce or eliminate these tastes and odors. If you purchase such a unit, please remember that it is very important to follow the manufacturer's instructions with respect to maintenance. In addition, cooling water in your refrigerator can help.
Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about my water?
A: Any questions about water should be directed to the Water Department at 708-749-4700.
Q: Who should I contact if I have questions about my water bill?
A: Any questions about your water bill should be directed to the Finance Department at 708-788-2660.
Public Works - Streets Division, Snow Removal
Q: What is the City's first step in snow removal?
A: Public works utilizes over 20 pieces of equipment during the winter for snow removal. When the snow starts to fall our salt trucks are the first to respond.
Q: When does Public Works use salt trucks?
A: If less than 2 or 3 inches fall the salt trucks alone are used for snow removal and control. We use 60 tons of salt every year to help keep the streets safe.
Q: Where does Public Works distribute salt?
A: Public Works distributes salt on all major streets and side streets. The rest of the streets receive salt at intersections, stop signs, and curves.
Q: How does Public Works determine where snow removal equipment will be utilized?
A: When approximately 2-3 inches of snow has fallen the remainder of the snow equipment is called out and put into service. The City does not have enough equipment to make sure every street is kept clear of snow during the duration of the storm though through careful planning and with dedicated staff, snow operations will continue until every street has been cleared.
Q: What is the best way to clear snow from my driveway?
A: Shovel as much of the snow from your driveway as possible to the right side as you look out to the street. Snow on the left side could be pushed back into the driveway by Public Works snow plows. Be a good neighbor, if you have a plow service make sure they know where to push the snow so it won't end up in your neighbor's yard or driveway.
Q: During Winter when may I park my vehicle on the street?
A: By City ordinance you cannot park your vehicle on the street for 24 hours after 3 inches of snow has fallen or deposit snow from your property on the street or sidewalk. Please move your vehicle from the street as soon as possible so that the plows can get to every street without interference from unmoved vehicles.
Public Works - Streets Division
Q: How often does the City sweep the streets?
A: Public Works takes approximately 4-6 days to sweep all the streets in the City. During the sweeping season, which is generally March through November, every attempt is made to sweep every residential street at least once.
Q: Who do I contact if my street sign needs to be replaced?
A: If you are aware of a sign that needs to be replaced, please contact Public Works at 708-749-4700.
Q: What causes potholes?
A: Most potholes develop during the freeze/thaw cycles during the winter and early spring months. Potholes can also be caused by a weakened road base from moisture and heavy vehicle traffic.
Q: What material does Public Works use to repair potholes?
A: Public Works uses high performance asphalt which can be used at any time of year to repair potholes. Street openings, such as sewer repairs or water main repairs, are repaired using hot mix asphalt which is not available during the colder weather.
Q: How do I dispose of my leaves?
A: Leaves can be disposed of in a number of ways. Please do not place the leaves in the street or on curbs or sidewalks. Do not rake grass clippings, sticks, rocks, branches or mud to the curb with your leaves. These materials clog and damage the equipment used for street sweeping and also clog the sewer drains and can cause severe damage to the sewers. If these items are found, the leaves will not be removed and those sweeping leaves into the street may receive a fine.
You can also place the leaves in paper yard waste bags for Waste Management to collect with the weekly yard waste pickup. A landscape waste sticker must be affixed or else bags will not be collected. You may also have your landscaper take the leaves away to a waste site.
Q: Who should I contact if I notice a burned out or damaged light pole?
A: Streetlights on wooden poles are owned by ComEd and should be reported to ComEd at 800/344-7661. Public Works will report the request if you call 708-749-4700. When a streetlight outage is not a burned out bulb, it might be an underground fault. Public Works may have to dig, which may lengthen the amount of time to make proper repairs.
Public Works - Sewer Division
Q: What type of sewers does the City have?
A: The City has storm sewers and sanitary sewer systems.
Q: What function do storm sewers provide?
A: Storm sewers are designed to collect and direct storm water to storage areas or to creeks. Storm water is not treated. You should never pour unwanted chemicals or other foreign substances in the storm sewer, doing so is punishable by law.
Q: What function do sanitary sewers provide?
A: Sanitary Sewers provide direct waste pumping stations that pump to the treatment plant for treatment and discharge to the Stickney Waste Treatment Plant.
Q: Who is responsible for the sanitary services?
A: Berwyn Municipal Code states that all repairs and maintenance of the services lines from the public sewer, including the connection to the public sewer, to the premises served and in the sanitary sewer system of the building served shall be made by and at the expense of the owners of the premises served.
Q: Who do I contact if there is a sewer back up in my home?
A: Always contact the Public Works Department first at 708-749-4700 (M-F 7:00 AM to 3:00 PM). After 3:00, call the non-emergency number for the Berwyn Police Department at 708-795-5600 and they will direct your call to a supervisor in the Water Department.
Q: Why is there an odor coming from my floor drain?
A: Usually this occurs in the winter time as the trap in the floor drain dries out, allowing the sewer odor to enter the house. To fix the problem, add water to the floor drain and the smell should go away. If this method doesn't work, contact Public Works 708-749-4700for further assistance.
Public Works - Wastewater Treatment Plant
Q: What happens to sewage after we flush?
A: Sewage is pumped to the Stickney Waste Treatment facility.. In many cases, the discharged water is cleaner than the water in the river.
Q: What should not be flushed?
A: The following should not be flushed: Oil, hazardous material, medications, plastics, elastic material or towels/clothing, and large amounts of grease.
The City of Berwyn, One Public Works Drive, Berwyn, IL 60402
Public Works Hours 7:00 a.m. to 3:00 Monday through Friday
Telephone: 708-749-4700
