Operations & Distribution
The Chicago Department of Water Management's Bureau of Operations and Distribution's primary responsibility is to maintain the water and sewer system. This includes 4,300 miles of water mains, 4,500 miles of sewer mains, 47,000 fire hydrants, 48,000 water control valves, and 56,000 sewer structures.
Leak Desk Facts.
We get 145,000 calls every year. Some of the topics include:
- Water in the basement.
- Water on the street.
- Broken water mains.
- Frozen pipes in the Winter.
- Open Hydrants in the Summer.
- Parkway and street leaks.
- Complaints of no water.
When we receive a call through 3-1-1, we send an investigation crew to assess the problem. With practiced eyes, they can determine how best to fix it, and whether it needs to be done immediately. Otherwise, we schedule it for repair.