200 Inmates Transferred Due To Stateville Water Problems

CREST HILL — The Illinois Department of Corrections has announced that hot water problems are causing issues for inmates at the Stateville Correctional Center near Joliet at The Quarter House. The hot water problems began in August in one of the hot water heaters and that the delivery of mechanical parts to fix the problem was set to take place this week.

Joliet's news radio station, AM-1340 WJOL reported that about 200 inmates have been transferred to other Illinois prisons including Sheridan and the Illinois River Correction Center in Canton, Illinois. Other Stateville inmates have moved to the Northern Reception and Classification Center, which is also on the prison property of Stateville.

On Oct. 21, a water consultant firm recommended that the Department of Corrections temporarily remove the impacted water sources from use. Stateville removed the water source for the sinks and showers in the prisoner housing areas being affected, providing the inmates with potable bagged water and bottled water in the alternative.

"Dietary and laundry services continue without disruption and all necessary steps are being implemented to ensure proper sanitation methods are being used in these areas," Department of Corrections officials announced. "The sinks and showers in the Quarter House are the only water sources removed from use. The facility is providing sanitizer, water and access to hot showers at another location."

The Department of Corrections news release went on to say: "The wellness of the individuals in custody in IDOC facilities is a top priority of the Department. IDOC is working diligently to repair hot water supply functions in the Quarter House at Stateville Correctional Center."