Hydrant Bill Signed Into Law
llFOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – September 2025
Contact: Lesli Melendy,
Metro West Council of Government Executive Director
(847) 226-4876
Governor Prizker Signs Hydrant Bill into Law: Public Act 104-0079
St. Charles, IL – The Hydrant Bill, Senate Bill 224, has been signed into law by Governor Pritzker, becoming Public Act 104-0079. This landmark legislation addresses critical water quality concerns and streamlines the permitting process for fire hydrants in Illinois.
In 2019, the Metro West Council of Government (Metro West) received complaints about work stoppages on various water main construction projects due to hydrant placement issues. Engineering Enterprises, Inc. (EEI), serving as an advisor to Metro West, investigated the matter and found that the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) was interpreting the plumbing code to include fire hydrants as “water services,”
leading to significant project delays and increased costs.
To resolve these issues, EEI proposed a two-part solution: requiring the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) to include fire hydrants in their water distribution system construction permits and working with both IEPA and IDPH to address water quality concerns. This collaborative effort led to the formation of an ad hoc Water Distribution System Water Quality Committee, which included representatives from IEPA, IDPH, the State Fire Marshal’s Office, Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association (ISAWWA), Metro West, and EEI.
Over a four-year period, the committee diligently worked to resolve language concerns and devise strategies to address water quality issues associated with fire hydrant leads and water distribution system dead ends. The committee's efforts culminated in proposed changes to the design guidelines for fire hydrant installation.
State Senator Don DeWitte and State Representative Jeff Keicher provided extraordinary support throughout the process, facilitating meetings with IEPA and offering steadfast support for the bill. "The time to determine the location of a fire hydrant is during the planning phase of a project and not during construction," said DeWitte. "My deepest thanks goes out to the Metro West Council of Government for their work on this bill and their coordination with many other agencies to get this important legislation across the finish line.” The ISAWWA and Metro West lobbyists also played a crucial role in navigating the legislative process.
The successful passage of the Hydrant Bill is a testament to the collaborative efforts of state agencies, legislators, and industry stakeholders. The revisions to the ACT and Title 35 will help avoid future delays and improve water quality, benefiting municipalities, developers, and the public.
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