Water & Sewer Service
CUSTOMER NOTICE TEMPORARY CHANGE IN DRINKING WATER DISINFECTION FOR ALL
FREEBURG, SMITHTON, HECKER AND RURAL WATER CUSTOMERS
The FSH Water Commission is required to comply with drinking water standards set forth by the USEPA. In order to comply with these standards and maintain satisfactory water quality for its customers, the water supplier for FSH, the SLM Water Commission, must make periodic modifications to its water treatment process. These periodic modifications have been approved by the EPA, and are not considered to be unusual in modern water system practices.
SLM Water Commission normally uses a monochloramine disinfectant residual throughout the distribution system to prevent presence of harmful pathogenic organisms in the water delivered to its customers. This type of treatment is approved by the EPA. With this type of disinfectant residual, however, non-harmful bacterial growth can occur in the water distribution pipes and contribute to objectionable taste and odor as well as other problems. To counteract this natural phenomenon, SLM must periodically change its process and deliver predominantly free chlorine residual throughout the system. Free chlorine residual is effective in helping to rid the system of troublesome bacteria that are not harmful to human health.
Some medical processes utilize point-of-use water treatment devices, such as kidney dialysis units. FSH recommends that owners/users of these type devices be aware of the impending change in treatment so that any necessary modifications can be made to said units. In addition, owners of residential fish aquariums should review their water treatment systems and make modifications if any are needed.
SLM plans to switch from predominantly monochloramine to predominantly free chlorine disinfection residual on 9/9/2026. This short-term change in the treatment process is expected to be in effect for a period of 6 weeks. During this time you may notice a change in the taste and odor of the water and possible discoloration as we will be flushing fire hydrants as part of this maintenance and ask that you refrain from doing white items in your laundry if you notice discoloration in your water. We will notify you when this process is over.
SEWER ISSUE: PLEASE READ
The Village of Hecker has been experiencing problems with wet wipes and other trash getting caught in the sewer lagoon aerators causing damage to the equipment. This requires the Village to hire a company to clean the aerators and get them operational once again. The cost for this maintenance is becoming significant. We respectfully request that you refrain from throwing any wet wipes, feminine products, cat litter, cotton balls, plastic, etc. into any toilets. Even products marketed as “flushable” may not degrade over time and can cause issues with the sewer network or treatment equipment. Please only throw toilet paper in the toilets. We appreciate your help in reducing the Village’s costs and keeping our sewer lagoon functioning properly.
26-001 Ordinance Revising Utility Rates
2025 Water Consumer Confidence Report
2024 Water Consumer Confidence Report
The village provides water and sewer service to the Village of Hecker and some of the surrounding area.
Payments are accepted at the payment drop box at the Village Hall or by mailing to… Village of Hecker, P.O. Box 176 Hecker, IL 62248
For Utility Billing Issues please call Village Hall at (618)473-2300 Ext. 11
For Utility Service Issues please call Village Hall at (618)473-2300 Ext. 12
For Service Emergencies please call (618)473-2300 Option 2
For Utility Locates contact J.U.L.I.E. at 811 or 1(800)892-0123 for more information on J.U.L.I.E. One call system visit.. http://www.illinois1call.com/
