Western Springs Main Breaks Surge Lately, But Down Overall This Year

WESTERN SPRINGS, IL – Western Springs has reported eight water main breaks in the last three weeks.

Even with that recent spike, the village has seen fewer this year compared with last year.

Year to date, Western Springs has reported 40 breaks, compared with 65 at this point in 2025, the village said.

"Extreme temperatures (hot and cold) can contribute to a spike in water main breaks, as can shifts in the earth near the main, sometimes from nearby construction," the village's spokesperson, Selmin Cicek, said in an email to Patch this week. "Age and deterioration of the water mains are also a significant factor."

In April 2025, nearly three-quarters of voters approved a property tax hike to spend $45 million on infrastructure, including water lines.

The village has strived to replace water lines when streets are repaved, which saves money.

The current projects include Woodland Avenue, Garden Avenue and the Springdale subdivision, according to the village.

One of Western Springs' challenges is that its income sources are limited.

That, in part, is because 95 percent of Western Springs is residential, officials say. Compared with other suburbs, the village's commercial tax base is relatively small. Western Springs lacks sales-tax-generating businesses such as car dealerships and big-box stores.