Update: Water Pressure Fix to Benefit Two Subdivisions

Update/11 a.m. Dec. 14:

Public Works Director Allen Persons had this to report today about the water pressure adjustment in Walker's Grove and Nature's Crossing:

"As a quick update, the water pressure transition occurred smoothly yesterday. We have had only few calls regarding water leaks and several positive comments regarding the new pressure.

"Our testing period is complete and our computer system indicates stable pressure readings of 60psi over the past 24 hours. In essence, the new pressure level has been established and the residents in Walker’s and Nature’s should experience this new pressure level from now on.

"My thanks go out to - Mark Stofko, Dan Biermann, Greg Snodgrass, Eric Miller, and Traci Featherly, from the Plainfield Water Division, as they deserve the credit for this project."

Published Dec. 13, 2011:

Testing begins today on a new valve that should nearly double the water pressure for homes in the Walker's Grove and Nature's Crossing subdivisions.

public works staff have been trying to resolve the water problems plaguing the two subdivisions since the mid-1990s, when they were built, Public Works Director Allen Persons said. The pressure problems were so severe that in some cases residents could not use their upstairs showers, he said.

That should be fixed with the installation of the new pressure sustaining valve on the water main located near 135th Street and Round Barn Road, Persons said. It will work in conjunction with three other valves that were installed previously over the last five years, he said.

If the testing determines the system is working as it should and final adjustments can be made, the valve could be put into full-time use by week's end, Persons said.

Water pressure will increase from 35 PSI (per square inch) to 60 PSI, with about 800 benefitting from the change, Persons said.

The original pressure problems stemmed from the size of the water mains in the area coupled with fast growth that expanded the village's boundaries beyond where earlier village officials had envisioned them going, he said.

Village Water Superintendent Mark Stofko sent a letter to residents alerting them to the change and asking them to check plumbing fixtures to ensure there are no leaks.

Persons said residents will not likely see large increases in their water bills, despite the increased pressure, because most newer homes feature water-saving equipment designed to create good flow with less water and because some tasks, such as showering, may require less time.