September 2013
Sauk Village is conducting a three-phase plan for improvements to the water system infrastructure:
Phase 1 – Construct Improvements to the Existing Water Treatment Plants
Phase 2 – Implement Water Distribution System Repairs and Replacements
Phase 3 – Acquire Lake Michigan Water
Below is an update on the progress the Village has made on this plan.
Phase 1 – Water Treatment Plant Improvements
The IEPA has issued an opinion that the proposed water treatment plant improvements project is the quickest and most cost effective means to returning Sauk Village’s water system to water system to compliance with IEPA standards. With just a few items left to complete on the loan application, it appears likely that the IEPA will issue a loan to Sauk Village for the project. When completed the project will provide water that is safe and of sufficient quantity for the Village’s water users. New air strippers to remove the vinyl chloride will be installed; the current aged iron filters will be replaced with new equipment and filtering media; and various other site improvements will be completed.
The IEPA issued a construction permit for the project in June. The project was advertised for bid in early August, and bids from contractors will be opened at the October 8th Village board meeting. Once the project is awarded, the contractor will have one year to complete the work. The Village has met the compliance schedule deadlines listed in the Illinois Attorney General’s consent order.
Phase 2 – Water Distribution System Repairs and Replacements
The Village hired a firm to conduct a leak detection survey to pinpoint the major leak locations in the distribution system. Fourteen leaks were detected during the field investigations conducted this past summer. Public Works staff has since repaired two of these leaks and will complete repairs of the remaining defective infrastructure in the coming months.
Phase 3 – Lake Michigan Water
Once water loss is reduced to less than 8%, Sauk Village will submit another application to the IDNR for Lake Michigan water. It is anticipated that the IDNR will view Sauk Village’s application more favorably with minor system water loss, and it is hoped that the IDNR will grant the Village’s request to receive Lake Michigan water.
With an approved Lake Michigan water allocation, Sauk Village will then move forward with the design and construction of the required water infrastructure improvements (supply water main, pump station, and storage tanks). Funding for these improvements would have to be determined, and a water rate increase would likely be required.