Chicago Department of Water Management Water Main Replacement Program

Challenge: Replace aging water mains across Chicago’s 4,200-mile distribution network.

Solution: Develop and implement a scalable, accelerated water main replacement program supported by engineering design, construction management, and coordinated infrastructure improvements.

Result: Chicago more than doubled its water main replacement rate, averaging 70 miles annually over the 10-year period reported in the original project description.

Project Overview

Much of Chicago’s water distribution network was installed between 1890 and 1920, leaving significant portions of the system at or beyond their expected design life. To address this aging infrastructure, the Chicago Department of Water Management (CDWM) undertook an accelerated water main replacement program.

As a partner in the CTR joint venture, Milhouse provided engineering and program management services to support the design and construction of replacement water mains throughout Chicago. Our team developed a scalable planning and design process that aligned infrastructure priorities with available funding.

Milhouse’s Scope of Work

Milhouse’s responsibilities included:

• Identifying and prioritizing water mains for replacement.
• Preparing detailed engineering plans and specifications for construction by city crews and contractors.
• Providing construction management and oversight.
• Coordinating with city departments and stakeholders to align water main improvements with other infrastructure projects.
• Managing street and area restoration, including Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)-compliant sidewalk modifications.
• Updating city infrastructure records to reflect completed improvements.

Key assignments included the Meter Save Program, Chicago Loop Bus Rapid Transit Water Main Improvements, and multiple water main replacement projects coordinated with the Chicago Department of Transportation (CDOT) Arterial Resurfacing Program.

Through this work, Milhouse supported Chicago’s efforts to improve the reliability and long-term integrity of its water distribution system.