Joliet awards $37 million in water main contracts to curb water loss ahead of 2030 transition

Joliet awards $37 million in water main contracts to curb water loss ahead of 2030 transitionThe Illinois municipality is accelerating its pipe renewal program, aiming to replace over 20 miles of aging infrastructure this year as it prepares to switch from deep aquifer wells to a new surface water supply.

City Council approved ten major water main improvement contracts totaling approximately $37 million in a single session.

The Public Service Committee reported a target of replacing 20 to 23 miles of water main in 2026 to mitigate water loss.

Major contracts included $5.5 million to Construction by Camco Inc. and $5.1 million to Steve Spiess Construction Inc.

The city is also advancing the absorption of the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District, approving a $1 million meter replacement program funded by Will County.

Operational procurements included annual chemical supplies for sodium permanganate, sodium bisulfite, and bulk polymer.

The City of Joliet City Council has approved a sweeping package of infrastructure contracts totaling approximately $37 million to replace aging water mains, a critical step in its strategic preparation to switch to an alternative water source by 2030. During the January 20 meeting, the Public Service Committee reported that the city aims to replace approximately 20 to 23 miles of water main in 2026 to reduce water loss within the distribution system. The council awarded ten separate contracts for water main improvements across various neighborhoods to address the utility's goal of tightening the system before the transition from deep aquifer wells. The largest individual awards went to Construction by Camco Inc., a heavy construction contractor with industry roots dating back to 1928. Camco secured a $5.53 million contract for the Heggie Park Phase 2 project, continuing its recent run of local infrastructure work that includes the $4.8 million Hickory Creek water main replacement. Steve Spiess Construction Inc. also secured a major share of the funding, winning a $5.13 million contract for Washington Street improvements. Other significant contracts included: - $4.82 million to Brandt Excavating Inc. for the Emerald Lawns Phase 2 project. - $4.69 million to Len Cox & Sons Excavating for the Virginia Phase 2 project. - $4.26 million to Austin Tyler Construction Inc. for the Cunningham Phase 1 project. - $3.60 million to P.T. Ferro Construction Co. for the Fourth & Eastern project. A representative for the Public Service Committee noted that the aggressive replacement schedule is required as the city prepares for its 2030 deadline. "The budget will replace approximately 20 miles of water main that we need to reduce water loss," the representative stated, adding that the total mileage could reach 23 miles this year due to carryover work from the previous budget cycle. In parallel with the distribution system upgrades, the council moved forward with the consolidation of the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District (SEJSD). The city approved a $1.03 million contract with Calumet City Plumbing Co., Inc. for a water meter replacement program within the district and authorized intergovernmental agreements with Will County and the SEJSD regarding plumbing inspections and transfer assistance. The committee noted that the expenses for absorbing the sanitary district into Joliet’s system are being funded by Will County tax dollars rather than Joliet city funds. The council also approved a series of annual chemical procurement contracts to support treatment operations, including awards to Carus Corporation for sodium permanganate ($359,382) and blended phosphate, and Alexander Chemical for sodium bisulfite and sodium hypochlorite. Additionally, Great Lakes Water Resources Group and Water Well Solutions Illinois LLC were awarded contracts for the rehabilitation of Wells 5D, 29D, and 24D, totaling over $650,000, to maintain current capacity during the transition period.