TO: Mayor and City Council
FROM: Allison Swisher, Director of Public Utilities
SUBJECT:
title
Approval of Payment for Emergency Repairs to the Water Main in the Des Plaines River Crossing to Airy’s Inc. in the Amount of $388,881.01
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BACKGROUND:
On October 3, 2025, the City’s water system experienced a large water leak causing low pressure in the downtown pressure zone. City staff investigated the leak and determined one of the 16-inch water mains under the Des Plaines River that feed from the eastside low pressure zone to the westside high pressure zone was broken. Airy’s Inc. was called upon to assist the City with this water main emergency because Airy’s Inc. has the equipment and manpower to perform a wide variety of specialized work such as line stops, and insertion valves and has prior experience assisting the City in similar emergency water main situations.
The Public Service Committee will review this matter.
CONCLUSION:
Over the course of multiple days, Airy’s Inc. repaired multiple breaks caused by the initial failure and successfully installed multiple valves to further isolate the river crossing. The valves that were installed will allow for faster isolation of the water main in the event of another water main break. The total cost of the emergency repair was $388,881.01.
Funds will be charged to the Water and Sewer Operating Fund / Field Operations / Water / Repairs (Org 50080012, Object 524300, $388,881.01).
RECOMMENDATION:
recommendation
Based on the above, it is recommended that the Mayor and City Council approve payment for emergency repairs to the water main in the Des Plaines River Crossing, in the amount of $388,881.01, to Airy’s Inc.
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