Will County Commits $15M to Transfer Sanitary District Operations to City of Joliet

Will County Board Meeting | January 15, 2026

Article Summary: The Will County Board has authorized an intergovernmental agreement to dissolve the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District and transfer its water and sewer operations to the City of Joliet. The county committed over $15 million in funding to support infrastructure improvements associated with the transition.

Will County Board Key Points:

• Transfer of Operations: The City of Joliet will take ownership and operational responsibility for the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District (SEJSD) on February 1, 2026.

• Financial Commitment: Will County will fund approximately $15.6 million in system improvements over ten years using ARPA, CDBG, and federal funds.

• Meter Replacement: A separate agreement authorizes the replacement of incompatible water meters for approximately 750 active customers in the district.

• No Annexation Required: Current SEJSD customers are not required to annex into the City of Joliet to receive services but will pay non-resident rates.

The Will County Board on Thursday, January 15, 2026, approved a significant intergovernmental agreement (IGA) that facilitates the dissolution of the Southeast Joliet Sanitary District (SEJSD) and transfers its water and sewer assets to the City of Joliet.

The agreement, which involves the County, the City, and the District, outlines a plan to address aging infrastructure and financial instability within the SEJSD. According to the resolution, the District is “unable to continue to operate in a fiscally responsible manner without incurring significant debt” and cannot guarantee the continued delivery of safe drinking water.

Under the terms of the agreement, the City of Joliet will assume ownership of the District’s assets, including wells, water towers, and lift stations, effective February 1, 2026. The City will also take over billing and maintenance responsibilities. Importantly for residents in the unincorporated Preston Heights area, the agreement stipulates that current customers are not required to annex into the City of Joliet to maintain service, though they will be charged non-resident rates.

To support the transfer, Will County committed $15,685,285 to fund necessary system improvements. The funding package includes $3 million in Community Development Block Grant (CDBG) funds, over $4 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, and more than $8 million in local funds.

“The County is committed to assisting with the transfer of the District’s water and sewer systems while providing financial support for completion of required upgrades,” the resolution stated.

The board also approved a separate agreement allowing the City of Joliet to manage a water meter replacement project for the 750 active customers in the district. The current metering system is incompatible with Joliet’s infrastructure. The County agreed to waive permit fees for the meter installations and allow the City’s licensed plumber to perform inspections.