This treated water is then transported to various storage tanks throughout Joliet. Through a maze of mains, the water is then pumped to all areas of the city. When the water comes into your neighborhood via 10-inch diameter mains, it is then distributed to the homes through smaller mains, four to eight inches in diameter. These cast-iron mains are interconnected to form grids throughout the neighborhoods. Gate valves control these mains so that an individual piece of main can be serviced without disturbing the water supply to a large number of customers.
Customers receive service through copper service pipes that are connected to the main.
The copper service then runs from the main to the property line where a curb stop is installed with a box for access. The pipe is installed with sufficient cover to protect against Illinois' freezing winter temperatures. The household plumbing connects from the curb stop to the customer's home. Immediately inside the home, the customer provides a valve on the service line. A meter is installed after this valve and then another valve is installed so that the meter can be removed for maintenance without difficulty.