Water
Challenge: 4,200-mile network of aging water mains nearing the end of its design life
Solution: Develop and implement a scalable, expedited program to design and construct replacement water mains
Result: Rate of main replacement has more than doubled, to an average of 70 miles per year for the past 10 year
As is the case of many of America’s cities, Chicago’s water infrastructure is aging and requires replacement. Much of the existing water main network was installed between 1890 and 1920; the water mains are approaching, or past the end of their expected design life span.
Milhouse is a partner of the joint venture that has been retained to provide engineering and program management services to Chicago’s Department of Water Management. A principal element of these services is the design and construction management of new water mains. Our team identifies and prioritizes the mains to be replaced, prepares detailed plans and specifications for construction by both city crews and contractors, oversees the construction, coordinates with stakeholders and updates city records. The work is carefully coordinated with other city infrastructure departments and includes street and area restoration and ADA-compliant sidewalk modifications.
We have carefully designed the planning and design process to make it scalable to fit the available funding. The city is now well on its way to restoring and maintaining the integrity of the vital water distribution network.
Some key projects include the Meter Save Program, Chicago Loop Bus Rapid Transit Water Main Improvements, and many Water Main Improvement projects coordinated with the CDOT Arterial Resurfacing program.
