Wondering what the blue paint markings are on the curb and on lawns? The City can assure residents that it is not related to any construction or digging taking place this year.

The City of Geneva is seeking to improve its water utility map in tracking buffalo boxes (also known as a Bbox), which are typically located in parkways and sometimes residential front yards. Buffalo boxes are used by the City to shut off water to a particular property when needed. The map update will provide the Geneva Public Works Department with accurate locations for the buffalo boxes during service calls or emergency responses.

City employees are marking the buffalo boxes at the valve and again at the curb/sidewalk with blue paint. Then, the City's GIS Technician visits neighborhoods to officially enter the data into our tracking system. All our employees will be wearing City of Geneva attire, be carrying City IDs, and will be driving marked City vehicles. Entry into people's homes is not necessary as part of this project.

The City began marking buffalo boxes in April south of the Union Pacific-West railroad tracks and west of the Fox River. Currently, work is underway north of the UP-W tracks and west of Randall Road. The remaining areas of Geneva are scheduled to be completed by this fall.

For more information, call the City's Public Works Department at 630-232-1501.