Water Main Replacement Project 1901122 Happening Now On Ashland Ave

The Department of Water Management (DWM) crews have begun to install 2,662 feet of new 12-inch water main in  N Ashland Ave from W Addison St to W Belmont Ave, and in W Cornelia Ave from N Ashland Ave to N Marshfield Ave.  The old water main dates back to 1929, and needs to be replaced to create a more reliable and efficient system. 

Automatic Email Updates 

To receive automatic email updates about the progress of the project, please go to BuildingANewChicago.org to  register. Simply enter your name, email address and the project identification number found at the top of this letter. Be  sure to respond to the verification email you receive in order to get the updates. Your information will not be shared or  used again.  

You will be notified as the project enters each new construction phase – from our mobilization of equipment onto the site,  to the installation of new pipes, to the final restoration of the street. 

What You Need to Know During Construction  

∙ Traffic: If we need to close or limit traffic during construction for safety reasons, you will always be able to reach  your home or business. Outside of working hours, a travel lane will be left open for local traffic only.  

∙ Parking: We will post “No Parking” signs as needed during work hours (generally 7pm-7am). Parking outside of  those hours will be allowed, but cars will need to be moved by the start of the next workday. We will try to  preserve as much parking space as possible. 

∙ Service transfers: We will give you 24-hour notice when we will have to temporarily interrupt water service to transfer water to the new main and you will need to start flushing your water system (instructions on reverse). However, in the event of an emergency  shutdown during construction, we may not be able to give you prior warning. 

Possible Fence Removal 

∙ DWM does everything possible to preserve homeowner improvements within the public right of way when doing  infrastructure work. Any homeowner added improvements including fencing, landscaping etc. shall be removed  by the individual homeowner prior to the water main installation. 

DWM does not assume responsibility for damage to privately installed parkway improvements, including  sprinkling systems, fences, flower beds and shrubbery 

Should you have any questions or concerns you can call any of the following numbers: 

∙ 24-Hour City Service and Information Line: 311 

∙ 32nd Ward Office: 773-248-1330 

∙ 44th Ward Office: 773-525-6034 

∙ 47th Ward Office: 773-868-4747 

∙ DWM Office of Public Affairs: 312-744-6635

What You Need to Know Following Construction

Work involving the water system like water main installation or repairs can dislodge small particles of contaminants, including lead, which can affect your drinking water. Ingesting lead can have significant health risks. For more information about the health effects of lead, go to https://www.cdc.gov/nceh/lead/ or https://www.epa.gov/lead/learn-about-lead.

Use Recommended Flushing Practices

Studies show that flushing water through your pipes is an effective approach to lowering lead levels and exposure. Detailed instructions for intensive flushing following water main work are given below.

Summary instructions for intensive flushing (for full flushing instructions, click here)

BEFORE YOU START

  • Always use COLD water when you flush your pipes.

  • Locate all water faucets in the house where you can run the water without the sink or tub overflowing. This includes laundry tubs and utility sinks.

  • Take off aerators (also called screens) from all faucets and showerheads. If you cannot take these off, do not use the faucet for rinsing the pipes.

  • Make sure all drains are open and clear so water can flow freely down the drains. After you take off aerators/screens, quickly flowing water will splash and spray.

  • City crews flush from hose bibs post construction as accessible.

TURNING ON YOUR TAPS

  1. After all aerators/screens are off, start opening faucets in the basement or on the lowest floor. Open COLD water faucets all the way and let the water come out as fast as it can. Keep the water running from all faucets at the highest rate possible.

  2. Go up to the next floor. Open all COLD water faucets on all floors of your house.

  3. Continue until you fully open COLD water faucets on all floors of your house.

  4. After ALL faucets are open fully, let the water run for 30 minutes. NOTE: The cost to flush four taps for 30 minutes is less than $1, and seniors using the senior citizen exemption will pay about 50 cents.

  5. After 30 minutes, go to the top floor of your home and turn off all the faucets. Continue your way down to the lowest floor of your house and turn off all the faucets on your way down.

  6. Clean the aerators/screens and put them back on at each faucet. If aerators/screens are old and worn, replace them with new ones.

Routine Flushing

If your water line has been idle or stagnant for more than 6-hours, it is advised that you flush for at least 5 minutes to maintain water quality. This may include flushing the toilet, taking a shower and doing laundry.

Once the services have been transferred, the street will be temporarily restored with concrete until complete restoration of the street with asphalt can be done. ADA-compliant sidewalk ramps will be repaired or installed where needed, along with repair of damaged parkway and sidewalk. The final restoration of the street will include milling the surface, placing new asphalt, and painting the street markings.

The restoration schedule is subject to change and may be impacted by adverse weather conditions. Asphalt is not available during winter months, which may delay the final restoration of the street. 

Register for Free Filter Set 

Out of our commitment to providing our residents with the highest quality water, the Department of Water Management is  offering single family houses and buildings with two apartments a free water filter set- a pitcher and six cartridges NSF certified to remove lead if any is present in drinking water. Buildings with three or more apartments are not eligible at this time. Please visit www.chicagowaterquality.org today and register for your free water filter set. Enter your address and zip  code and the set will be shipped to you completely free.  

Possible Tree Removal 

DWM does everything possible to preserve trees when doing infrastructure work. However, due to IEPA regulations  concerning the separation of underground infrastructure and public safety concerns should a tree become unstable  because of underground work, it is sometimes necessary to remove trees. In consultation with the Department of Streets  and Sanitation’s Forestry Division, we make the decision on tree removal on a situational basis. You will be notified in advance if it will be necessary to remove trees during this project. 

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Ashland Avenue Water Main Replacement Project