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1. What are the basic levee features?

The levee consists of earthen materials (soil) and is one mile long. See the map for details.  

attached map (PDF).

2. Who inspects and maintains the North Libertyville Levee?

The Lake County Department of Public Works is responsible for inspecting, maintaining, operating and repairing the levee. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers performs routine inspections on an annual basis and conducts an in-depth, periodic inspection every five years.

3. Will the levee prevent future flooding within the subdivision?

The levee is intended to protect properties from, but not prevent, flooding.  Nevertheless, the levee as currently built has the ability to contain all known floods since the subdivision was built in 1954. With increased rainfall projections in Lake County, however, there is a greater than 50% chance that the levee will overflow from flooding at least once in the next 25 years. Knowing this, it’s important to be prepared if flooding occurs.

attached map (PDF).

4. Do residents of North Libertyville Estates need flood insurance?

Flood insurance is recommended for every home within North Libertyville Estates. As shown in the map, many homes could be impacted by several feet of water if flooding occurs.    

 Property owners residing in North Libertyville Estates may be eligible to save an average of $281 a year on their flood insurance policies. Through the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s (FEMA) Community Rating System (CRS) program, residents within unincorporated Lake County – who meet certain requirements – are eligible for up 20% savings on flood insurance premiums. Contact your insurance agent for coverage information, pricing, and CRS flood insurance discount information.

5. Is there a flood warning plan?

Yes. A gauge at the stormwater pump station monitors the river level and provides notification to Lake County personnel. If necessary, Lake County will contact residents by phone when the river approaches a high-water level, and again if an evacuation order is issued.  Such order may result in the closing of roads and emergency shut-off or suspension of utilities or other services to avoid risks to persons, property, and infrastructure. 

Water will rise very quickly if the levee overflows or is breached. Make sure your family has a plan in case of an emergency. Before an emergency happens, sit down together and decide how you will get in contact with each other, where you will go, and what you will do in an emergency. Keep a copy of this plan in your emergency supply kit or another safe place where you can access it if flooding occurs.

6. The bimonthly sewer/water bill for North Libertyville Estates customers includes a $10 levee maintenance fee. How are these fees used?

Levee maintenance fees fund levee mowing, rock erosion control replacement, pump operation and maintenance, tree removal, and other miscellaneous maintenance and repair expenses.  

7. What else should residents know about living next to the levee?

Residents should keep fences, trees, bushes, fire pits, and garbage barrels away from the levee. These encroachments can hinder operations and maintenance, or negatively impact the integrity of the levee. Also, do not dump leaves and grass clippings in levee ditches, and refrain from driving motorized vehicles on the levee. Your assistance in this regard will help minimize levee maintenance costs.