After almost a decade of study and evaluation, the growing communities of Montgomery, Oswego and Yorkville, Ill., are gaining access to a sustainable, long-term drinking water supply. The WaterLink project, a $400 million regional infrastructure investment, will construct approximately 30 mi. of new transmission main, expanding the Lake Michigan service area westward.
Frank Richert photo
“These communities determined their current water source, the Ironton-Galesville deep sandstone aquifer, will be unable to meet projected demand as early as 2050,” Jeff Loster, DuPage Water Commission engineering manager, told Construction Equipment Guide. “Because they are faced with depleting aquifers, this project is vital to their futures in every way by providing a safe and reliable source of drinking water for generations to come.”
In 2021, the municipalities joined forces to find a new water source. They determined Lake Michigan water, delivered through the DuPage Water Commission, was the most costâeffective solution.
As one of the state's most significant water projects in the past three decades, WaterLink will connect the communities to an established, highâquality water supply treated by the Chicago Department of Water Management. The project includes multiple municipal delivery points and requires complex infrastructure work that will span residential neighborhoods, roadways and utility easements. It will provide water security for both residents and businesses.
Construction on the initial segment began in late 2025, with the connection to the DuPage Water Commission's existing distribution system completed in June of this year. The project involves multiple contractors, including “D” Construction, Airys, Bolder, Benchmark and IHC.
The engineering design work has been completed, and all but two of the dozen bid packages have been awarded. Land acquisition also is nearing completion and is expected to wrap up in the coming months.
According to Loster, the project includes the construction of seven metering station structures and pipeline, ranging in diameter from 16 in. up to 54 in.
Frank Richert photo
“It's being constructed through a variety of conditions, including a protected nature preserve, residential/urban/rural areas, major highways and multiple creek crossings, as well as one at the Fox River,” said Loster. “These dynamic conditions provide a variety of challenges.”
Currently, the project has three active construction zones—two in Naperville, Ill., and a third in Oswego, Ill. Crews are installing 54-in. steel and prestressed concrete cylinder pipe and 36-in. prestressed concrete cylinder pipe water main. In other areas of the project, tree clearing and site grading are taking place.
Project milestones include completion of the connection to the DuPage Water Commission's existing distribution system, completion of all necessary land acquisition, the crossing of the Fox River and project commissioning.
Loster said building miles of new transmission main calls for open-cut construction.
“However, there are select locations, such as congested roadway crossings, environmentally sensitive areas and areas where typical open-cut construction is not feasible [due to sight constraints] that were identified early on to bidders as locations where trenchless installation is required.”
Nearly 290,000 cu. yds. of material will be removed to install the pipeline. A portion of this will be used as trench backfill where deemed appropriate.
Pipeline construction will include steel pipe, prestressed concrete cylinder pipe and ductile iron pipe. Heavy machinery needed on site includes excavators, loaders and trenchless installation equipment.
Loster noted that weather has posed occasional challenges, with spring rains flooding out a trenchless installation shaft during work under a creek. There also have been typical winter temperature delays.
Frank Richert photo
As for unexpected issues, said Loster, “There are always surprises when you start digging in the ground in the Chicagoland area. We've found unidentified utilities and cobble boulders in the way, so far.”
Construction will continue through 2028. The project is paid for by a combination of federal loans and local funding. Once complete, WaterLink will provide a safe, sustainable drinking water source that meets or exceeds all Illinois EPA drinking water standards.
Loster said it's extremely satisfying to play a part in such a meaningful undertaking.
“It's been incredibly rewarding to be able to participate in such a regionally significant project. We've assembled a great team, and I'm confident that our continued collaboration with all parties will lead to a successful result.”
