Will County Gazette

The Village of Park Forest manages around 73 miles of water main infrastructure. As these pipes age, they can break, causing issues like low water pressure and discolored water. Many residents are curious about the causes of these breaks and how the village handles them.

Nick Christie, assistant director of Public Works, explains that various factors contribute to water main breaks. "Water main breaks occur due to pipe deterioration from age and corrosion," he says. Fluctuations in water pressure or ground shifts can cause a weak point in the pipe to break, leading to visible surface water and reduced pressure for nearby residents.

Detecting a break isn't always straightforward. Christie notes that while spikes in water production at the Water Plant can indicate a problem, pinpointing the exact location requires resident reports of disruptions or visible street leaks. Residents suspecting a break should contact the Public Works Department at 708-503-7702 or use the non-emergency number for the Park Forest Police Department at 708-748-4700 outside business hours.

Repairing a break involves several steps. The first is contacting JULIE, a nonprofit that provides safe digging information to avoid damaging other utilities during repairs. This process can take up to two hours before crews start digging to find the break. Crews may need to adjust valves or hydrants to relieve line pressure before installing a repair sleeve on the pipe and restoring normal service.

Christie highlights cost considerations: "The typical cost to contract a water main break repair ranges from $5,000 to $10,000." However, many repairs are handled by Public Works staff, reducing expenses significantly. Replacing all village pipes would cost over $100 million—a sum not readily available—so the village seeks state and federal grants for funding.

Residents can stay informed about breaks through the Village's CodeRED Emergency Notification System or by following updates on the Public Works Department’s Facebook page.