The Village Board has approved funding for up to $6 million in upgrades to the water system serving eight south suburbs.
The sale of general obligation bonds will cover the estimated $5.4 million to install a new pumping station in Oak Forest, upgrade a 48-inch water main and expand reservoir capacity, said acting finance director Gregory Peters.
The upgrades come after a water main break in Oak Lawn in early June prompted a temporary watering ban in several towns. Last year, in the midst of a drought, a power failure at a main pumping station led to a watering ban in all communities served by the system.
More Top Picks Best Whiskey Glasses Sets
The problems have led some communities to call for changes to how the system is administered. A water commission that shares power among the member communities has been suggested. The current system is controlled by Oak Lawn.