Crest Hill receives federal funds for water system testing

Crest Hill — Amidst nationwide uncertainty about the funding of federal grant programs, the city of Crest Hill received funds through U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood’s office to conduct water system tests ahead of its planned transition to Lake Michigan Water.

Underwood, D-Naperville, presented the $200,000 check, which was acquired through Community Projects Funding on Jan. 29.

According to Crest Hill City Engineer Ron Wiedeman, the funding will go toward corrosion testing of the city’s water systems to make sure it is equipped to handle the change to Lake Michigan water.

“The testing being completed involves collecting 10 pipe samples from residents' homes,” Wiedeman said.

The samples need to meet certain criteria, he said, one of which are either lead or galvanized iron where lead solder was used for the joints.

“The test is looking to see how the new Lake Michigan water supply reacts with existing service line,” Wiedeman said. “The testing will determine if any additional treatments are needed so that it meets all drinking water standards and requirements.

“The city wants to ensure that the residents of Crest Hill are getting the best water quality possible.”

The corrosion testing should be complete by the end of this year. Wiedeman also noted that if there is a problematic reaction with the lake water in the existing pipes, it will likely not require full system replacements.

“We do not believe that replacement of water services will be needed,” he said. “Any corrective measures, if needed, based on the results of the testing should be able to be handled with additional treatments at the city water receiving stations, but until we receive the results of the testing, any corrective measures are yet to be determined.”

Crest Hill is part of the Grand Prairie Water Commission, a group of six communities who will begin utilizing Lake Michigan as “an alternative water source,” according to a statement by the city. The other communities in the commission are Channahon, Joliet, Minooka, Romeoville and Shorewood.

“This study is an important step in the transition that will ensure the community continues to have access to safe and clean water,” the statement said.

This round of testing is the second half of the study necessary to determine if any remediating measures are necessary.

Mayor Raymond Soliman and members of the City Council received the grant check from Underwood, and Soliman expressed his and the city’s gratitude to her for providing it.

Crest Hill plans to finish the transition to Lake Michigan water in 2030.