How to Extend a City Water Main

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency controls extensions of public water supplies. Before new water mains can be built to extend City water service, the applicant must obtain a water main construction permit from the IEPA. Therefore, in order to extend City water service, the following actions must occur:

1. Applicant meets with staff member of Public Works & Utilities Department to discuss requirements and feasibility of proposed water main.

2. Applicant prepares three (3) sets of applications and three (3) sets of plans to the Public Works & Utilities Department. The Utilities Division requires a copy of the construction plans on mylar or other reproducible medium. The construction permit should be granted within 45 to 90 days. The application must include the City's $50.00 review fee as well as the Illinois EPA's fees. These fees are on a sliding scale depending on the length of the project.

3. City applies to Permit Section, Division of Public Water Supplies, and Illinois Environmental Protection Agency for water main construction permit.

4. IEPA returns one set of approved plans to City and sends construction permit to design engineer and a copy of the permit to the City.

5. After receipt of permit, applicant may begin construction. If any excavation is to occur in a dedicated, public right-of-way, an excavation permit must be obtained from the City's Inspection Services Division (see Building Permit).

6. After the water main has been constructed, the City inspects the water main and certifies that it meets all state and local requirements. At this time, the City may accept the improvements.

7. The City applies to the IEPA for an operating permit.

8. The IEPA sends the operating permit to the City.

Estimated time from submittal of application materials to City until granting of construction permit: 60-120 days.

Building & Inspectional Services Division
Don Pallissard, Building Services Director
150 W. Jefferson Street, Joliet, IL 60432
First Floor, South Wing
Phone: (815) 724-4070
Fax: (815) 724-4080