By Madhu Mayer

Expect a lot of construction around the City of Joliet this summer.

Allison Swisher, director of public utilities, on Tuesday updated the Joliet City Council on the 2023 water main improvement program. The plan, she said, is to remove lead water service lines throughout the city and replace all water mains installed before 1970 with new pipes that will lead to less water loss.

“We will reach from the far west side of Caton Farm Road to the East Highland neighborhood,” Swisher said.

Areas selected for the water main replacement project, she explains, were chosen based on history of water main breaks. Other areas expected to see water main replacements as part of the $49 million project include Plainfield Road from Black Road to Center Street; Collins Street; and Kerwin Terrace and St. Pat neighborhoods.

“We have taken a staggered approach to construction,” Swisher said. While some projects will start on April 1, others will commence on July 1. Water main replacement projects from last year that were not finished due to supply shortages will be completed this summer, Swisher promised.

“Residents can visit the city Web site for updated information on the projects,” she suggested. Additionally, letters were sent to affected homeowners in both English and Spanish, alerting them when the projects will commence.

The massive infrastructure project is proposed to be funded with a loan from the Illinois Environmental Protect Agency Public Water Supply Loan Program.

“This is a monumental project we are undertaking,” added Joliet Mayor Bob O’Dekirk. He suggests putting information in the city newsletter directing residents to the city Web site for status updates on projects in their neighborhood.

Swisher said the water mains will be replaced by 2030 in preparation for Joliet getting its water source from Lake Michigan as the city’s existing water source will no longer be sustainable in seven years if the current water usage does not change. Joliet is the third largest city in Illinois with a population of more than 150,000, according to the 2020 census.

Joliet in January 2021 approved an agreement with the City of Chicago to bring Lake Michigan water via pipeline to Joliet, which is about 33 miles. The City of Joliet will share the costs for the Lake Michigan pipeline construction project with members of the Regional Water Commission that also includes the communities of Romeoville, Crest Hill, Shorewood, Channahon, and Minooka.