M.E. Simpson, a specialized contractor retained by the City of West Chicago, will begin the City’s 2026 water system leak survey Thursday, May 14. The team is expected to complete its work by the end of June.
The contractor will be using highly sensitive listening equipment on fire hydrants and water valves across the community to detect possible leaks in the underground water system. These devices help identify unusual sounds or pressure changes that may indicate a leak below the surface, before it becomes visible or causes damage.
What to Know:
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Marked Vehicles: M.E. Simpson crews will be operating from clearly marked vehicles like the one shown here.
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Identification: All M.E. Simpson personnel will carry proper identification and should be able to present it upon request.
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No Service Disruption: This work does not require entry into homes or businesses and will not disrupt water service.
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Short-Term Presence: Survey activity will be brief at each location and conducted entirely from the public right-of-way.
Why This Matters:
Routine leak surveys are an essential part of maintaining a safe and reliable water system. Undetected leaks not only waste water and increase operational costs but can also lead to larger infrastructure problems over time. By identifying and repairing leaks early, the City can:
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Reduce water loss and protect natural resources
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Minimize costly emergency repairs
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Maintain water pressure and service reliability
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Support long-term sustainability of the City’s infrastructure
This proactive maintenance helps ensure that West Chicago continues to deliver high-quality water service to residents and businesses.
If there are questions about the leak detection program, contact the City’s Public Works Department. If suspicious activity is noticed that does not correlate with this activity, please contact the West Chicago Police Department.View official City item ↗