Residents of Deerfield are saving money and water thanks to improvements in the city's utility structures., according to a report received by the Village Board of Trustees.
The village has repaired several of the water pipes within the last year, leading to less water waste. Public Works and Engineering Deputy Director Bob Phillips said that according to the amount of water bought from Highland Park compared to how much goes to customers, only 16.5% of the village's water use was wasted in 2016 as opposed to 22.8% in September 2015, saving around $119,000. He hopes to bring waste levels to 10%.
Public Works and Engineering has put in 13 miles of new pipes in the last decade and installed better water meters, said its director, Barbara Little. The meters help the village find where the mains are failing.
In 2005, there were 141 breaks in village water mains, but this was cut down to 50 last year. Some of Highland Park's pipes will also see improvement once spring gets closer, and Phillips predicts the project will be completed in June.
Along with water main repairs, the village has also improved roads, bridges, and other public infrastructure. The Kates Road Bridge will see renovations after Independence Day due to traffic and budget concerns. Hazel Avenue, Carriage Way, Juniper Court, and Wilmot Road will also be repaired.
The village can hire a brochure printing company to create pamphlets teaching individuals about the meters and what might identify a main weakness near their residence or business.
