City of Joliet Begins Southeast Joliet Sanitary District Water Main Replacement Project

JOLIET, Ill. - The City of Joliet Public Utilities Department has launched Phase 1 of the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District (SEJSD) Water Main Replacement Project, marking the first major infrastructure improvement since the City assumed ownership and operation of the former SEJSD water and sewer system earlier this year.

The project is part of a long-term infrastructure improvement program made possible through a partnership between the City of Joliet, Will County, and state and federal funding sources. Construction will replace aging water mains throughout the former SEJSD service area, improving system reliability and laying the foundation for future improvements benefitting more than 700 households in the Preston Heights neighborhood and surrounding areas of unincorporated Joliet Township.

The first phase of work will replace aging water mains in key areas of the former SEJSD service area, improving system reliability and helping reduce the risk of future water main breaks and service interruptions. Residents may experience temporary traffic impacts and parking restrictions in active construction areas throughout the project. Specific roadway closures and traffic control information will be communicated as construction progresses.

"When the City agreed to take over this system, we made a commitment to residents that we would invest in its future," said Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Joliet. "This project delivers on that commitment by replacing aging infrastructure and improving the reliability of water service for the families who depend on it every day."

In addition to construction beginning this month, design engineering for Phase II of the water main replacement project is anticipated to begin in early August, allowing the City to continue advancing future infrastructure improvements without delay.

"Ensuring the residents of Preston Heights have access to reliable and safe water infrastructure has been a top priority," said Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive. "This project is a massive undertaking to replace a decades-old system and I appreciate the community's patience as we work with the City of Joliet on this long-needed improvement."

The City of Joliet assumed ownership, operation, and maintenance of the former SEJSD water system in February 2026. The transition followed a determination by the former SEJSD Board that it was unable to continue operating in a fiscally responsible manner without incurring significant debt and was unable to fund the critical infrastructure improvements needed to guarantee the long-term, stable delivery of safe drinking water to its customers. The District also determined that it did not wish to sell its system to a private operator.

Since assuming responsibility for the former SEJSD system earlier this year, the City has accelerated the design, engineering, and permitting process to begin critical infrastructure improvement as quickly as possible. This project is the first phase of a long-term infrastructure improvement project made possible through a partnership between the City of Joliet, Will County, and state and federal funding sources. While this first phase represents a significant investment, additional work will continue over the coming years as part of a capital improvement plan supported by $15.7 million in funding committed by Will County, along with state, federal, and grant funding opportunities.

"Government exists to make sure that lights turn on and water flows. The work being done by the City of Joliet and Will County is an investment that will make sure those core parts of our lives will be there for generations to come," said State Representative Larry Walsh Jr. "We build things here that will last long after we are gone. I offer my sincere thanks to all who have worked to make this project a reality."

Information about the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District's switch to Joliet water is available at www.joliet.gov/SEJSD. Information about the construction project is available at www.joliet.gov/construction-zone. Residents with questions may contact the Public Utilities Department at (815) 724-4220.