The Village of Park Forest is looking to improve several miles of water mains in the community. At Monday evening's board meeting, the Department of Public Works discussed with the board a low-interest loan program available through the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency. 

The Public Water Supply Loan Program (PWSLP) could provide the Village with $6.7 million to fund the necessary improvements. 

"The PWSLP would allow the Village to repaint the Tamarack Street standpipe and replace approximately two miles of water mains, an important investment in ongoing maintenance and public infrastructure," said Public Works Director Roderick Ysaguirre. "The advantage of these loans is they are offered to the Village at an interest rate of 1.4% with 66% of the loan being forgiven, meaning the Village would be required to pay back $2.2M over time." 

Since 2009, the Village has replaced 11 of 73 miles, resulting in an 11% reduction in water main breaks. The estimated cost of replacing one mile of water main is roughly $1 million. A majority of the improvements have been funded through grant dollars and low-interest loans. Fewer water main breaks in the community means fewer water interruptions for residents and less cost in upkeep and repairs, which can range from $2,500 to $9,000 per break. 

In 2023, there were 93 water main breaks in the Village of Park Forest, down from a watermark high of 201 in 2012.