Joliet Announces Great News For Preston Heights Households: 'This Project Is A Massive Undertaking'

(The following edited press release came from Sydney Thompson at Joliet's City Hall.)

JOLIET, IL —The City of Joliet Public Utilities Department has launched Phase 1 of the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District Water Main Replacement Project, marking the first major infrastructure improvement since the City assumed ownership and operation of the former SEJSD water and sewer system earlier this year.

The City of Joliet assumed ownership, operation, and maintenance of the former SEJSD water
system in February 2026.

The project is part of a long-term infrastructure improvement program made possible through a partnership between the City of Joliet, Will County, and state and federal funding sources.

Construction will replace aging water mains throughout the former SEJSD service area, improving system reliability and laying the foundation for future improvements benefitting more than 700 households in the Preston Heights neighborhood and surrounding areas of unincorporated Joliet Township.

The first phase of work will replace aging water mains in key areas of the former SEJSD service area, improving system reliability and helping reduce the risk of future water main breaks and service interruptions. Residents may experience temporary traffic impacts and parking restrictions in active construction areas throughout the project. Specific roadway closures and traffic control information will be communicated as construction progresses.

“When the City agreed to take over this system, we made a commitment to residents that we would invest in its future,” said Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities for the City of Joliet. “This project delivers on that commitment by replacing aging infrastructure and improving the reliability of water service for the families who depend on it every day.”

In addition to construction beginning this month, design engineering for Phase II of the water main replacement project is anticipated to begin in early August, allowing the City to continue advancing future infrastructure improvements without delay.

“Ensuring the residents of Preston Heights have access to reliable and safe water infrastructure has been a top priority,” said Jennifer Bertino-Tarrant, Will County Executive. “This project is a massive undertaking to replace a decades-old system and I appreciate the community’s patience as we work with the City of Joliet on this long-needed improvement.”