The City of North Chicago received the APWA-Lake Branch- Public Works Project of the Year Award, Disaster or Emergency Construction Repair, $0–$5 million category, recognizing its response to a major water system emergency in September 2025.

Following damage to a 24-inch transmission main and a cascade of water main breaks, the City’s Public Works Department coordinated an intensive, citywide emergency response. Trotter and Associates, Inc., serving as consulting engineers, supported the effort alongside Campanella & Sons, Inc. and Thompson Pipe Group.

Through disciplined coordination and sustained effort, the team restored stable system pressure, avoided a boil order, and limited impacts on residents and businesses. This demonstrated the City’s outstanding resilience, technical expertise, and commitment to protecting public health and critical infrastructure under highly adverse conditions.

Photo (left to right): Robert Freeman (CNC Public Works), Steve Cieslica (TAI), Mayor Leon Rockingham (CNC), Wanda Evans (CNC Public Works), Bob Miller (CNC Public Works), Chris Merino (TAI).