Welcome to the Winthrop Harbor Department of Public Works
Every day, whether you turn on a faucet, drive to work, or walk under the shade of a parkway tree, you're relying on the work of the Department of Public Works. Our team maintains and improves the roads, water and sewer systems, trees, vehicles, and public buildings that keep Winthrop Harbor safe, healthy, and running smoothly for residents, businesses, and visitors.
Our Mission
The Department of Public Works is dedicated to maintaining and improving Winthrop Harbor's quality of life by planning for future needs, building and maintaining municipal infrastructure, managing public capital improvement projects, and promoting environmental health and safety, all delivered with dependable service and responsible stewardship of public resources.
About the Department
The Department of Public Works is made up of six divisions, staffed by six full-time and two part-time employees, with support from a Utility Clerk in the Administration Department. Together, this small but dedicated team is responsible for all municipally owned and operated infrastructure within the Village.
Our crews perform regular maintenance on approximately 36 centerline miles of streets, more than 36 miles of water mains, 24 miles of sanitary sewer mains, storm sewers, over 200 streetlights, and roughly 2,000 parkway and public trees. When winter weather arrives, snow and ice control becomes our largest all-hands effort, with staff working around the clock to keep streets, cul-de-sacs, sidewalks, and parking lots safe and accessible.
Public Works also plays a key role in the Village's future. We work closely with the Village's contracted engineering firm and the Community Development Department to guide growth and development, and our staff participates in the review and approval of all proposed site development projects.
The services we provide meet needs common to everyone in our community. They are delivered daily by visionary, value-driven, and hardworking men and women committed to serving the best interests of Winthrop Harbor.
Our Divisions
Administration
Oversees department operations, budgeting, capital improvement planning, and coordination with Village administration and engineering consultants.
Streets
Maintains approximately 36 centerline miles of Village streets, including pavement repair, snow and ice control, signage, and sidewalk maintenance.
Water & Sewer
Operates and maintains more than 36 miles of water mains and 24 miles of sanitary sewer mains, ensuring safe and reliable utility service for all residents.
Forestry
Cares for approximately 2,000 parkway and public trees through trimming, removal, planting, and disease management to preserve the Village's urban forest.
Fleet
Manages maintenance and repair of all Village-owned vehicles and equipment to keep operations running safely and efficiently year-round.
Facilities
Maintains and repairs all municipally owned buildings and public facilities, including Village Hall, the Public Works garage, and other Village properties.
Environmental Programs
Electronics Recycling
Residents may drop off qualifying electronics at the Public Works facility Monday through Friday, 8:30 AM to 3:30 PM.
Yard Waste Collection
Seasonal yard waste collection is available for residents. Brush, leaves, and grass clippings must be properly bagged or bundled for pickup.
SWALCO Solid Waste Programs
Winthrop Harbor participates in Solid Waste Agency of Lake County programs for household hazardous waste disposal and recycling initiatives.
Lake County Stormwater Management
Lake County Stormwater Management Commission provides environmental protection programs and public education resources on stormwater, flooding, and watershed health for Lake County residents.
Illinois EPA — Public Education
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency provides public education resources on air quality, water quality, waste management, and environmental protection programs available to Illinois residents and communities.
U.S. EPA — Environmental Education
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's public education hub offers resources on environmental topics including clean water, clean air, recycling, and community environmental protection programs.
Submit a Service Request
To report a pothole, water main break, downed tree, streetlight outage, or other public works concern, contact our department directly during business hours.