FAQs

Here are some frequently asked questions about Murdale Water District.

Q
Does the District treat its own water? 
A

Murdale Water District purchases treated water from Kinkaid Area Water System located on Kinkaid Lake. Murdale purchases around 115 million gallons of treated water per year to supply the nearly 2,000 homes and businesses.

Q
Who owns the Water District?
A

The residents and customers own the Public Water District, a Board of Trustees (appointed by the County Board) consisting of 7 members control the operation and finances of the District.

Q
How big is the Water District?
A

The District operates 107.6 miles of water main in parts of 5 Townships. Three (3) pumping stations and four (4) water towers ensure adequate pressure and storage to meet the everyday needs of the customers. The District employs 2 water operators certified by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency to insure water meets basic standards. A network of over 330 gate valves and 275 hydrants allow for the efficient operation of the distribution system.

Q
How many people live in the Murdale Water District? And how much water does the average family use each day? And their typical cost.
A

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has estimated the population of the District at 4,626. In the winter the District distributes on average 290,000 gallons of water per day. In the summertime depending on the amount of precipitation the average is around 350,000 gallons per day (or 245 gallons per minute). An average family of 4 would typically use about 133 gallons of water per day, especially if laundry is done within the home. Residential clothes washing machines can use from 15 ~ 30 gallons of water per load. Taking a shower averages 2.5 gallons of water per minute, therefore, 10 min. = 25 gallons, 15 min.=37.5 gallons, 20 min.= 50 gallons. 

Q
Does the Murdale Water District give breaks for large amounts of water used to fill swimming pools?
A

Nearly 200 of the customers within the District own a pool. In towns, water consumers are charged for sewer by the amount of water they use. Therefore, towns will sometimes give their residents a “break” because they know that pool water is unlikely to end up being treated in their wastewater treatment facilities. A large majority of Murdale customers have individual sewer systems that are self-maintained and do not incur a sewer bill. For that reason, Murdale does NOT give a break for pool filling.

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