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Advisory Concerning Non-Compliant Separation of Water Mains and Sewers

February 19, 2025

Summary

On December 11, 2024, the Office of Inspector General (OIG) notified the City of Chicago Department of Water Management (DWM) of concerns regarding a lack of public transparency surrounding extensive water main and sewer line construction work that failed to comply with Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) regulations.

Executive Summary

OIG aims to provide Chicagoans with transparency concerning this issue and suggested that DWM take additional steps to improve and facilitate public understanding of this matter.

In 2019, DWM discovered widespread noncompliance with IEPA requirements for the minimum horizontal and vertical distance between underground water mains and sewer lines (separation standards). DWM has subsequently cooperated with the IEPA to develop a remediation plan, reported noncompliant locations, and continues to correct noncompliance when it discovers it during the course of its regular work.

Advisory Concerning Non-Compliant Separation of Water Mains and Sewers - publication cover