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Waukegan officials say water‑plant upgrades on track; filters automated, raw‑water pump replacements planned
Summary
City staff described recent automation of four filters, valve replacements, intake inspections and planned raw‑water pump work at the century‑old Waukegan water plant; officials estimated the multi‑year program totals $25–30 million and will continue over coming years.
City public works and water department staff told the council on Oct. 20 that a series of capital upgrades at Waukegan’s century‑old water treatment plant are progressing and that several components have come online ahead of schedule.
Antonio (department presenter) said replacement of valves, automated controls and related electrical work for filters 11–14, which had not been updated since 1968, are complete and now allow automated backwashing from a new control panel. The department also reported inspection work on the intake crib, completion of several large valve replacements (30‑inch down to 4‑inch), and preparation to install new raw‑water pumps and associated variable‑frequency drives and SCADA controls; that work was scheduled to begin in the coming month.
Officials told the council an interconnect with neighboring North Chicago to allow emergency water sharing is scheduled to begin construction next month. The department also said media inspection in filters and concrete repairs were completed, and that the filter automation project finished earlier than the previously projected 2026 completion.
When asked for a program cost estimate during the presentation, staff provided a range of roughly $25 million to $30 million for the work to date and noted the program spans multiple years. Staff characterized the work as essential modernization of a 100‑year‑old plant and said additional projects—including a major water main replacement on Auplain Road—are planned or underway.
The presentation emphasized that water main replacements performed by the city include replacing private lead service lines where identified, and that the plant upgrades are expected to continue over the next several years as part of a broader rebuilding plan.
