Frequently Asked Questions

Boil Orders

What is the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) rule regarding Boil Orders?
The following IEPA rule is not verbatim, but, in short, it is the guidelines we, like most supplies, follow. 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) requires any public water system to issue a boil order when the system pressure drops below 20 psi.  The owners or official custodians of the supply shall notify all consumers through either a hand delivered notice or local media to boil all water used for drinking or culinary purposes for five minutes before consumption.  This boil order shall remain in effect until microbiological samples demonstrate that the water is safe for domestic use, or until appropriate corrective action approved by the agency is taken.

What good does it do to boil water?
Boiling water for a minimum of five minutes kills bacteria so the water is safe to drink.  Most Public Water Supplies add chlorine for the same reason.  Chlorine is a disinfectant/oxidizer.  To protect our water supply from bacteria that may enter or develop in our system, we add chlorine and test it every day to ensure there is an adequate amount.

What can happen when the water system loses pressure?
When water systems lose pressure, it its possible for contaminates to enter the pipe through a joint or a crack in the pipe.  Yes, a crack in the pipe!  Every water system has leaks that go undetected until the water reaches the surface.  Some leaks surface quickly.  Some leaks never do surface.  The leaks that never surface are due to the fact that they are usually leaking into storm or sanitary sewers.  If there is a leak in the area effected by the low pressure, it is possible for contaminates to enter through the crack in the pipe.

What type of contaminates are you talking about?
Watermains are usually buried anywhere from 3 to 6 feet underground.  Contaminates that could enter the system at this depth might be ground water, dirt, oil, or gas from leaking underground tanks.  It could also be vapors from a leaking oil or gas tank.  It could be wastewater, if there is a broken sewer line lying within a few feet or above a section of watermain, and the ground around the watermain  is saturated with wastewater from the leak in the sewer line.  It could be natural gas, if there is a leak in a gas line near the watermain.  Contaminates to a water system are not always life threatening bacteria.  If there is any dirt (not necessarily visible to the naked eye) in a sample we collect, the sample will most likely be rejected at the lab because of bacteria.  Please, do not misunderstand, other possible contaminates are not ruled out.  These are simply the most likely ones to cause system problems.

What should I do if I notice low or no water pressure in my home?
Until you find out different, play it safe and assume a boil order is in effect.

How do I find out if I need to boil my water?
  1.  If you have Internet access, check the City of Morrison's website, if the website does not mention a boil order, call us.  We may not know of the problem yet.
  2.  Tune into Mediacom Cable channel 18.  This is the City of Morrison's Public Access channel.  If a Boil Order is in effect, a message will be posted on the screen notifying residents.  If the channel 18 does not mention a boil order, call us.  We may not know of the problem yet.
  3.  Call City Hall, Monday through Friday between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm at 772-7657.  After these hours, please call the Whiteside County Sheriff's Department at 772-4044.

How will I know when I can stop boiling my water?
  1.  Check the City of Morrison website.
  2.  Check Mediacom Cable channel 18.
  3.  Call City Hall at 772-7657.  All boil orders will be lifted between 8:00 am and 4:00 pm.

How long does a boil order last?
  1.  From the time the samples reach the lab, it will take a minimum of 24 hours to obtain results.  If results come back negative, the order will be lifted.
  2.  If any of the results come back positive, the boil order will be in effect for at least two more days.

To learn more about the City of Morrison Boil Order Procedures, please click here.

City Hall Information

When is City Hall open?
City Hall is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 am and 4:00 pm, excluding holidays.

Can I make payments by credit/debit card?
At this time, we cannot accept payments by credit or debit cards. Payment may be made in the form of cash, check or money order.

City Services

How do I obtain a Building Permit?
You can obtain a Building Permit from City Hall, or you can print one from the Forms and Permits page in our website. Completed applications must be submitted in person at City Hall, 200 West Main Street. The application fee is $5.00 plus $1.00 for every $1,000 of estimated improvements. The application fee is due upon submission of application. Permits are not required for improvements such as re-siding, re-roofing, or installation of replacement windows. Permits are required for new construction, fences, and structural changes to a building.

How do I sign up for garbage service?
The City contracts with Moring Disposal for all curbside residential service within the city limits. When you sign up for water & sewer service, you are automatically signed up for refuse service. Click here for more information about Moring Disposal's refuse and recycling program.

Commercial accounts must contract for their own garbage pick up by contacting the hauler of their choice.

I just moved into a brand new home.  How can I get a recycle bin?
Please stop by City Hall.  New recycle bins are free of charge to all newly constructed residences.  If you need a second bin, the cost is $10.00.

I have lost my recycle bin.  How can I get a new one?
If your recycle bin has turned up lost, you may purchase a replacement bin from City Hall.  Replacement recycle bins are $10.00 each.  If you recycle bin is in poor shape and you would like to trade it in for a new one, you may bring it to City Hall.  Trade-ins cost $5.00.

With the recent storm, I have a lot of storm damage from my trees.  Will the city pick up this storm damage?
The City of Morrison Public Services Department does pick up tree branches and tree debris after a storm.  It is recommended that residents  contact City Hall at 772-7657 to have their address placed on our storm damage listing.  City crews will only pick up storm damage that is placed at the curb.  Crews will not enter upon private property to collect materials.

Typically, storm damage is collected within 2-3 days after a storm or high wind has occurred.  However, collection will occur as time permits.

.Utility Billing

What do I do if I can’t make it to City Hall to make a utility bill payment during your business hours?
For your convenience, the City provides a drop box located between the south side outside doors. The drop box is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.  We empty the contents of the box once each week day at 8:00 am.  The City is not responsible for cash payments made through the drop box.  Payments may also be mailed.  Please allow 3-5 business days if mailing.

How do I sign up for water service?
Applications for Metered Water Service can be printed from the Forms and Permits page of the website or you can obtain an application at City Hall. A deposit of $50.00 is required of all tenants and for new residents and is due within one week of the requested date of service.

I am going on vacation. How can I put my utility bill on hold?
Utility Bill Vacation status can be established in one of two ways. Residents may either inactivate their account or select to have service disconnected at the curb. The Vacation Billing form must be completed and turned into City Hall before your departure in order for the City to establish vacation status.  Forms are available at City Hall or you may print one from our Forms and Permits page.

Whiteside County Courthouse

How do I contact the Whiteside County Courthouse?
Each department at the Whiteside County County Courthouse has it’s own phone number. The following is a brief list of frequently requested numbers

County Clerk (815) 772-5189
Circuit Clerk (815) 772-5188
Child Support (815) 772-5168
Traffic (815) 772-5169
Health Department (815) 772-7411
Sheriff’s Office (815) 772-4044 (non-emergencies)
Call 9-1-1 for emergencies
Recorder’s Office (815) 772-5192
State’s Attorney (815) 772-5194
Supervisor of Assessments (815) 772-5195
County Treasurer (815) 772-5196
Zoning - Rural Areas (815) 772-5175

Miscellaneous

What do I do if the shut-off valve in my house is leaking?
If the water control valve inside your home or business is leaking, it is the responsibility of the owner to make necessary repairs.  If shut off at the curb is required to make repairs, please contact City Hall at 772-7657 to make arrangements. 

What do I do if sewage is backing up in my house?
Residents should contact City Hall first, in the event of a sewer back-up.  Workers will be dispatched immediately to your home or business.  If a back-up occurs after-hours or on weekends, please contact the Whiteside County Sheriff's Department at (815) 772-4044.  Inform the dispatcher of the nature of the problem.  They will then contact the officer on duty, who will contact someone from the Public Services Department.