The Public Works Operations (PWO) Division at Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. (GHA), has launched the Public Works 24-Hour Response Line, giving organizations one dedicated number to report urgent water system issues at any time of day. The service builds on the field support already provided by the division and offers a direct path to staff who work with these systems every day. The Public Works 24-Hour Response Line can be reached at 224-352-0650.
The service gives organizations responsible for water and wastewater systems a direct way to reach operators who can evaluate system conditions and guide next steps. It immediately connects them to staff who can evaluate issues such as pressure changes, irregular system behavior, or equipment concerns.
Examples of when to call include:
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- Water main breaks
- Suspected leaks or water loss
- Lift station alarms or failures
- Pressure or flow irregularities
- Unexpected changes in water system performance
- Sanitary sewer backups or suspected blockages
- Infrastructure failures affecting system operation
Incoming calls are handled by staff who manage emergency response, leak detection, and diagnostic work throughout the year. Their field experience helps them evaluate developing conditions and determine the next steps, whether that involves onsite support, diagnostic testing, or coordination with local operators.
“This response line simplifies how organizations reach us,” said Mike Grinnell, Director of Public Works Operations. “It connects them to staff who know how to evaluate changing conditions and respond right away.”
Bringing all after-hours requests to one number also improves how information is gathered and shared. Operators can track the nature of each call, organize field response, and communicate findings in a consistent way. This creates a clearer picture of evolving system conditions and supports follow-up work across multiple service areas.
In addition to emergency response and leak detection, the line provides access to a broader range of Public Works Operations services, including hydrant maintenance and flow testing, smoke testing, manhole scanning, valve maintenance, infrastructure management, water and wastewater system operations, and related operational support.
The Public Works 24-Hour Response Line is now active and available to public agencies and organizations that operate water and wastewater systems.
