Funding Approved for Leak Detection Survey to Protect Water Distribution System

The City’s Public Works Department maintains approximately 62 miles of water main within the municipal water distribution system. The City Council approved the funding to conduct a system-wide leak detection survey of water mains ranging in size from 6 inches to 24 inches. Conducting the survey allows North Chicago to proactively address water loss and infrastructure risks rather than waiting for leaks to become emergencies.

This project was advertised for bids on July 6, 2026, with three (3) bids received and publicly opened on July 23, 2026. M.E. Simpson Company, Inc. of Valparaiso, Indiana submitted the lowest responsive bid, with a Base Bid of $20,800 and Alternate A of $72,575, for a total contract amount of $93,375. Funding is available for this work in the approved FY 2027 Water Utilities budget

A system-wide leak detection survey is important because water main leaks can waste large amounts of treated drinking water, increase operating costs, and cause infrastructure damage even when they are not visible at the surface. This survey is a preventative maintenance and asset-management tool. It allows North Chicago Public Works to find problems underground before they become visible, expensive emergencies, while protecting the water supply and making better use of public funds.

Here are a few other benefits derived from North Chicago’s system-wide leak detection survey:

  • Reduces water loss: Leaks in underground mains may go undetected for months or years. Identifying them allows North Chicago to repair leaks before significant volumes of treated water are lost.
  • Protects the water supply: Producing, treating, and pumping potable water costs money and consumes energy. Water that escapes through leaks represents resources that North Chicago has already paid to produce.
  • Controls operating costs: Finding and repairing leaks can reduce unnecessary water production and pumping, potentially lowering utility operating expenses.
  • Prevents costly failures: A small leak can develop into a larger break, potentially causing roadway damage, flooding, sinkholes, service disruptions, or emergency repair costs.
  • Improves infrastructure management: A system-wide leak detection survey gives Public Works information about the condition of its distribution system and helps staff prioritize repairs and capital improvements.
  • Supports long-term asset management: Knowing where leaks are occurring helps Public Works make informed decisions about which water mains should be repaired, rehabilitated, or eventually replaced.
  • Improves reliability for residents: Proactively identifying problems can reduce unexpected water main breaks and interruptions to customer service.