Reliable access to clean drinking water is at the heart of any community’s infrastructure. The City of Elmhurst, Illinois, exemplifies how municipalities can modernize water systems with long-term resilience and sustainability in mind. Since 2019, Clark Dietz has partnered with Elmhurst on its Annual Water Distribution System Improvements, providing innovative engineering solutions and seamless coordination to address the City’s aging water infrastructure.

This multi-year program offers valuable insights into overcoming challenges such as high-visibility construction, complex permitting, and minimizing disruptions in residential and commercial areas.

Case Study: Elmhurst’s Annual Water Main Upgrades (2019–2025)

Over the last six years, Elmhurst has trusted Clark Dietz to design and deliver critical water main upgrades spanning thousands of linear feet each year. These projects have not only enhanced water distribution but also showcased best practices in sustainable engineering, stakeholder collaboration, and construction oversight.

2025 Program Highlights: The 2025 program focuses on replacing 10,850 linear feet of water main across 11 streets, a continuation of the City’s commitment to proactive water infrastructure management. Clark Dietz’s scope includes surveying, permitting, Clean Construction and Demolition Debris (CCDD) certifications, quantity takeoffs, and bidding services. This project builds on the successes and lessons learned from previous years.

Past Successes: Lessons in Coordination and Innovation

2023: Downtown Challenges and Disruption Minimization

Clark Dietz designed 6,000 linear feet of water main, including 3,750 feet near Elmhurst’s downtown Metra station. The team minimized disruptions in this busy area through phased construction and permitting strategies.

2022: High-Stakes Coordination Along Major Routes

Upgrades along IL 83 and IL 64 required coordination with IDOT and private utilities. Despite challenges posed by major routes and high-pressure fuel lines, the project successfully replaced 2,000 linear feet of water main.

2021: Innovation in Installation Methods

The 8,000-linear-foot project on S. York Street combined open-cut and directional drilling techniques to maintain traffic flow in a high-traffic downtown corridor, with careful traffic control and IDOT collaboration.

2020: Transitioning to Outsourced Engineering

Clark Dietz delivered 8,000 linear feet of water main improvements, during Elmhurst’s shift to fully outsourced engineering services, ensuring a seamless transition from retiring staff.

2019: Balancing Stakeholder Needs

The first year included 9,200 linear feet of ductile iron water main installation, impacting residential services, a school, and a cemetery. The project involved 2,000 linear feet of sewer upgrades and required careful stakeholder coordination.

Best Practices for Water Main Replacement Projects

While every project is unique, there are strategies municipalities can adopt to ensure water main projects are cost-effective, sustainable, and efficient:

  • Invest in Long-Term Durability: Selecting resilient materials ensures water mains can withstand decades of use with minimal maintenance, reducing lifecycle costs.
  • Leverage GIS Technology: GIS solutions provide precise mapping of existing infrastructure, aid in project planning, and support long-term asset management.
  • Minimize Disruption in High-Traffic Areas: Phased construction and advanced techniques such as directional drilling can reduce the impact on businesses, residents, and commuters.
  • Foster Stakeholder Collaboration: Proactive communication with agencies, utilities, and local stakeholders streamlines permitting and ensures smooth project execution.
  • Adapt to Funding Constraints: Modular design and phased construction allow municipalities to tackle priority areas while planning for future phases when additional funding becomes available.

These approaches can help municipalities balance cost considerations with community needs, ensuring successful outcomes for infrastructure upgrades.

Delivering Results for Municipalities in the Midwest

Through the Annual Water Distribution System Improvements program, Clark Dietz has helped Elmhurst modernize its infrastructure, enhance public safety, and ensure uninterrupted access to clean drinking water. This case study serves as an example of how engineering expertise, innovation, and collaboration can transform a community’s infrastructure.

Whether tackling high-traffic downtown areas or navigating complex permitting challenges, Clark Dietz is proud to help municipalities like Elmhurst deliver resilient, efficient, and sustainable water systems.

elmhurst water tower