The Village of Park Forest owns and maintains approximately 73 miles of water main. As this infrastructure ages, some pipes may break, leading to issues such as low water pressure, slow water flow, and potentially discolored or rusty water. Many residents have questions about what causes these water main breaks, how the Village addresses them, and why they don’t replace all the pipes at once.

Nick Christie, assistant director of Public Works, explains that there are many factors involved.

How do water main breaks happen?

Christie states that water main breaks occur due to pipe deterioration from age and corrosion. Water pressure fluctuations or ground shifts can lead to a break at a weak point, causing water to surface. When this occurs, some nearby residents may notice a drop in water pressure.

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How does the Village know there’s a water main break?

Christie explains that while they can often see a spike in water production at the Water Plant, they do not always know the exact location of a break. They rely heavily on notifications from residents about water disruptions or observations of water running in the street. If anyone suspects a water main break, they should call the Public Works Department at 708-503-7702. If it’s after 5 p.m. on a weekday, or on a weekend or holiday when Village Hall is closed, residents are encouraged to call the non-emergency number for the Park Forest Police Department at 708-748-4700.

What is the process for fixing a water main break?

Christie explains that the first step is to contact JULIE, a nonprofit organization that provides information on where digging is permitted. This is crucial to avoid damaging other utilities during the repair process. The initial step can take up to two hours, after which crews can begin digging to locate the break. In some cases, they may need to close valves or open fire hydrants to relieve pressure in the line in order to facilitate repairs.

Once the break is located and it is safe for the crews to enter the trench, they typically install a repair sleeve on the pipe. After this, they will close all hydrants and open all valves to restore normal water service.

How much does it cost to fix a water main break, and why not replace all the pipes at once?

Christie notes that the typical cost to contract a water main break repair ranges from $5,000 to $10,000. However, many breaks are repaired by Public Works staff, which helps to significantly reduce costs. Replacing all the water mains in the village would exceed $100 million, a sum the Village does not have readily available. Instead, they actively seek state and federal grants to fund various projects.

How can residents be notified of a water main break?

Residents can sign up for the Village's CodeRED Emergency Notification System to receive texts, emails, or phone calls when a break occurs in their neighborhood. Additionally, they can follow the Public Works Department’s Facebook page for updates.