Sanitary Sewer System - City of Oak Forest

The Utilities Division operates the city's sanitary sewer system. There are a total of nine sanitary sewer lift stations and a total of 102 miles of sanitary sewer mains maintained by the city.

Responsibilities and Goals

Identify and eliminate sources of inflow/infiltration in our sanitary sewer system through the assistance of consultants, investigation, monitoring, and maintenance programs.
Maintenance of sewer mains, drop sewers, manholes, and other components that assure a safe and reliable sewer system to all of our consumers.
Maintain sanitary sewer lift stations in a fashion that will ensure safe, reliable and efficient operation and service.

What do I do if sewage backs up in my home?

If sewage backs up in a toilet or basement tub, and you believe it is the result of a problem outside your home, call the Public Works Department at 708-535-4090 between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. weekdays, or the police department non-emergency line at 708-687-1376 after normal business hours, weekends and holidays. The on-call public works supervisor will be advised of your problem.

The Calumet Water Reclamation Plant is one of seven wastewater treatment facilities within the metropolitan Chicago area. Calumet treats the sanitary wastewater from the City of Oak Forest, including an area of approximately 300 square miles (parts of the City of Chicago and the southern suburbs).

Visit the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRDGC).

Additional Resources

Sanitary Sewers – Frequently Asked Questions

Sewer Backups – Frequently Asked Questions

Sanitary Sewer Televising