Water main breaks are a recurring issue in Park Forest, driven largely by the age of the Village’s underground infrastructure and worsened by periods of extreme cold weather, officials say.

As of Monday, Park Forest reported over six breaks, with more expected throughout the days, weeks, and months to come. The Village owns and maintains approximately 73 miles of water main, much of it installed when Park Forest was first developed more than 70 years ago. As pipes age, they become more vulnerable to corrosion, shifting soil, and changes in water pressure. Those factors, combined with winter weather, make breaks more likely.

During prolonged cold snaps — such as the very cold temperatures recently experienced across the region — the ground freezes and expands. As temperatures fluctuate, frozen soil can shift, placing additional stress on already aging pipes. That movement can cause cracks or full breaks in water mains, sometimes leading to sudden water outages or visible flooding on streets.

While many water main breaks are relatively routine and can be repaired quickly, others are more complex and require additional time, equipment, and labor. Repairs can range from minor fixes to extensive excavations, particularly when breaks occur under roadways or near other utilities. The cost of repairing a single break can vary widely depending on its severity, location, and weather conditions, and full replacement of water main infrastructure is a major investment. Replacing water mains costs approximately $1.5 million per mile, making systemwide replacement a long-term process. 

So far, the Village has replaced roughly 5.5 miles of water mains since 2019, and roughly 22 miles total dating back to 1987. Village officials actively seek out state and federal grants to fund water main replacements. 

In most cases, water quality is not affected by a break. In addition to monthly routine water testing, the Park Forest Department of Public Works monitors water quality during and after breaks in accordance with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency guidance. If system pressure drops too low, a Boil Water Advisory may be issued as a precaution. In those cases, residents are advised to boil water before consuming it until testing confirms the water is safe.

Residents may also notice red or discolored water following a break. This discoloration is caused by iron released from the pipe and typically clears within 24 hours. While not considered a health hazard, residents are encouraged to run cold water and avoid drawing discolored water into hot water heaters.

Park Forest uses the CodeRed notification system to keep residents informed. For water main breaks that disrupt service without affecting water quality, residents are notified by email during normal business hours. Phone calls and text messages are used for boil advisories and other emergencies.

The Village continues to budget for ongoing water main improvements, replacing smaller segments annually and planning larger-scale projects every five years as part of its long-term infrastructure strategy.