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January 2025
Lake County Public Works (LCPW) is gearing up for a busy 2025. We take pride in serving you, working around the clock to ensure reliable water and sewer services.
Read on for updates on how we address challenges from extreme temperatures, local projects and more.
Why Extreme Temperatures Cause Water Main Breaks
 LCPW responds to more than 100 water main breaks annually, with most occurring during extreme winter cold or summer heat. These temperature extremes cause the ground around water pipes to expand and contract, increasing stress on the pipes and leading to cracks or ruptures. Rapid temperature changes amplify this effect, shifting the surrounding soil and creating additional pressure on the pipes.
Water main breaks vary in severity. The rarest type, shown in the picture above, occurs when pressure forces water to shoot through the ground into the air until the main is shut off. More commonly, breaks begin as small leaks that grow over time.
LCPW responds promptly to detected or reported water main breaks. As a result, crews will work frequently overnight in freezing temperatures. When responding, crews will locate the leak, assess the pipe’s condition and repair the damaged pipe. If multiple breaks or severe damage are found, a temporary repair may be made to restore service while planning for a full pipe replacement. Water main breaks can occur near roadways, sometimes leading to lane closures and other traffic impacts. If you see our crews out, slow down and drive carefully for everyone's safety.
The best way to mitigate water main breaks is to conduct regular maintenance and keep infrastructure up to date. Through its Capital Improvement Program, LCPW invests in its water systems and proactively replaces aging water main pipes when they are nearing the end of their useful life.
If you notice a water main break, report it to LCPW:
Preventing Frozen Pipes
 Freezing temperatures can potentially cause frozen pipes, which can be very costly to repair.
No matter the material, exposed pipes face the risk of freezing and bursting, causing significant damage. Protect your home this winter by taking the proper precautions.
Project Spotlights
 Gages Lake Water Tower
The new water tower has taken shape! Crews continue to make steady progress. Construction will continue throughout 2025.
 Pekara Water System - Lake Michigan Water Connection
Construction is ongoing to bring Lake Michigan drinking water to the Pekara, Inverrary and Horatio Gardens neighborhoods. Throughout the winter, construction on interconnecting the neighborhoods to the Buffalo Grove Water System is continuing. The project is on schedule to be completed this spring/summer.
Contact Us
The Lake County Public Works Building located at 650 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville is open to the public. Customers may also contact us with any questions or concerns at:
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