Water Main Break Process

Public Utilities Staff is notified that there is a possible water leak.

City of Joliet, Public Utilities, staff investigates the source of water and determines if it is a Water Main Break.

An emergency J.U.L.I.E. one call locate is called in.  In an emergency situation two hours is given for all utility companies to mark within the area requested.  A City of Joliet repair crew is assembled and dispatched.

Emergency notification by text / email is created and sent to those signed up in the affected area.  Sometimes an area becomes larger after the initial notification has been sent and a secondary notification will need to be sent.

Repair is completed with pressure maintained in the system.  Residents may have low pressure.  If water has to be turned off completely, a precautionary boil order will be issued with further notifications.

Restoration Information

The City will coordinate the restoration after completion of work.  The area may settle and require additional dirt or gravel before being restored.  If settling occurs or if other issues arise, please call and inform the Public Utilities Department.  Please allow a two-to-three-week time period for the area to settle before contacting us.  It is the City’s policy to restore the area to original condition following the work with topsoil, grass seed, and a straw blanket.  If there is concrete or asphalt work that will typically be done before any grass work.

Precautionary Boil Order

Repairs are completed with pressure maintained in the system.  Residents may have low pressure while repairs are in progress.  If water has to be turned off completely, a precautionary boil order will be issued with further notification.  Notices will be handed out to alert and to rescind.  For more information visit our Boil Order page.

How to sign up for emergency notifications

Smart Messages provide residents with alerts from the City of Joliet.  Information includes notice of water main breaks and boil orders.  Sign up at www.joliet.gov/smartmessage 

You can sign up for multiple locations, as long as they are services by the City of Joliet, such as home, work, school, parents, etc.  Anytime we circle that area on the map, the notification will be sent to you by text or email.  If you have questions, please contact Public Utilities at 815-724-4220.