Department of Water Management initiate water replacement technologies programs

The Department of Water Management (DWM) of Chicago has launched two programs. The programs include alternative pipe replacement technologies. They will allow the city to lessen the impact of the repair of the pipes on the community. The environmental impacts will also be considered in the programs. Lori Lightfoot, the mayor of Chicago, said, “Chicago must always provide high-quality water to our residents.”

The programs will focus on the upholding of the environmental impact on the neighborhood of Chicago, according to Lightfoot. The administration of Lightfoot is keen to listen to the concerns of the residents of Chicago. The replacement of the current practices with the innovative methods is the primary goal of the current administration, Lightfoot added. It is important to know the feasibility of innovative methods.

The programs aim to consider environmental factors. The rehabilitation of the waters mains and private drains is the requirement of the city. These pilot programs will investigate the use of pipelining technologies for the rehabilitation of the water system. The areas where the underground water infrastructures are planned are also a focus of the DWM. The pilots will investigate the ways to remove minimum trees during the construction of the projects.

Commissioner Randy Conner said, “The DWM remains committed to protecting water quality.” The department will take necessary actions on the base of the results of these programs, according to Conner. The rehabilitation of mains will be the main focus of the first programs. It will investigate the use of cured-in-place pipe (CIPP) for this purpose. CIPP has been used by the DWM in increasing the life of sewer mains.

Different pipeline materials will be tested in the second program for the rehabilitation of private drains. This program will also focus on reducing the impact on the surrounding trees. Alderman Andre Vasquez said, “If we can find a solution to tree removal while also saving money, I think it is a win for everyone.” The programs will be conducted by the independent consults and they will also analyze the results and make recommendations.