October 9, 2015

City Launches Email Notification System to Update Chicagoans About Construction Projects In Their Neighborhood

Mayor's Press Office    312.744.3334

Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today that the Chicago Department of Water Management has launched a new email notification system that will automatically release updates to Chicagoans on the progress of water and sewer main construction projects in their neighborhoods. The new email service, called WaterAlert, will give neighbors real-time information about each project, and provide a new, innovative way for the citizens of Chicago to communicate with the Department of Water Management.

“This new notification system is a great way for neighbors to get real-time information about the progress of the water or sewer main project in their immediate area,” Mayor Emanuel said. “By signing up for alerts, Chicagoans will be automatically notified as the project enters each new construction phase, from mobilization of equipment onto the site, to the installation of new pipes, to the final restoration of the street.”

In order to receive the email updates, Chicagoans can go to BuildingANewChicago.org and register by entering their name, email address and the project identification number associated with construction project. They will find that number on a letter delivered to all customers in the area prior to the start of the project.

In 2012, under the leadership of Mayor Rahm Emanuel and through the Building a New Chicago infrastructure investment program, DWM embarked on its 10-year capital program that includes:

  • Nearly 900 miles of water main replaced
  • Nearly 750 miles of sewer main replaced or relined
  • More than 140,000 sewer structures repaired or relined
  • More than 200,000 water meter installations

In 2015 alone, DWM plans to replace more than 90 miles of water mains and 22 miles of sewer mains in neighborhoods all across Chicago.

Today’s announcement is part of the Mayor’s commitment to connect Chicagoans with city services using digital resources. Other efforts include the Department of Streets and Sanitation’s online Plow Tracker map during snow removal season, which allows users to see in real-time the locations of city plows and salt spreaders.

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