Preston Heights residents press Will County to accelerate water repairs as 33 main breaks reported since February

Residents of Preston Heights told the Will County Board on July 16 that repeated water main failures demand faster action than the county’s current schedule.

Crystal Adams, speaking for Preston Heights residents served by the Southeast Joliet sanitary district, said the community has had 33 water-main breaks since Feb. 1, with families losing running water for hours or longer. “We deserve a permanent solution, and we deserve it with urgency,” Adams said, asking the board whether ARPA funds could accelerate repairs and why the county’s plan would distribute approximately $15.6 million in improvements over a 10‑year timeframe.

Adams noted the board previously supported dissolving the Southeast Joliet sanitary district and transferring its failing water system to the city of Joliet; she asked whether remaining ARPA funds are legally obligated or could be redirected to expedite Preston Heights projects. The county acknowledged its funding commitment and said some construction would begin in certain projects on Monday and that an informational meeting for residents was scheduled for July 30.

Board members later discussed ARPA allocations during the land-bank debate and finance presentations; several members told Adams and the public they want to pursue every available state and federal funding opportunity and provide frequent public updates on project milestones and expected completion dates.

Adams asked for transparency on how much funding remains, whether funds are legally spoken for and whether the county can prioritize replacement of mains with the highest failure rates. County staff said they had committed funds through a combination of federal, community-development block grants and county resources and that officials would meet with residents and pursue other funding sources where feasible.