Naperville on Track to Complete $190M Wastewater Upgrade by 2030

City official says project is the largest capital investment in Naperville's history.

Apr. 8, 2026 at 1:34pm

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Naperville is on track to complete a $190 million upgrade to its Springbrook Water Reclamation Center by the state-mandated 2030 deadline, according to Darrell Blenniss, the city's Director of Public Utilities - Water. The multi-year project aims to replace aging infrastructure, expand the facility's capacity, and ensure compliance with phosphorus reduction standards set by the Illinois EPA.

Why it matters

The upgrades are critical to meet long-term wastewater treatment demands, comply with environmental regulations, and reduce phosphorus levels that contribute to algal blooms in the DuPage River and the Gulf of Mexico. The project has broad community support as an essential investment in the city's infrastructure.

The details

The Springbrook project includes installing new phosphorus removal technology, an ultraviolet disinfection system, additional biosolids holding capacity, and equipment to remove sand and debris. Construction is currently focused on the south plant, while design work continues for upgrades to the north plant. When complete, the facility's treatment capacity is expected to be more evenly split between the north and south plants.

  • The project began planning in 2020.
  • The city expects to bid out construction for the north plant upgrades later this year or early next year.
  • A new biosolids holding tank is expected to be completed by the end of 2026.

The players

Darrell Blenniss

Director of Public Utilities - Water for the City of Naperville.

Bill Foster

U.S. Representative for Illinois's 11th congressional district, who secured over $1 million in federal funding to help finance the project.

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What they’re saying

“This is the largest capital project in the city's history.”

— Darrell Blenniss, Director of Public Utilities - Water

“Any phosphorus reductions that we could do here also helps with the algal bloom problem that they're having in the Gulf of Mexico.”

— Darrell Blenniss, Director of Public Utilities - Water

“I think there's been a lot of support in the community. I think they understand that this is a critical asset, and we have to make these investments.”

— Darrell Blenniss, Director of Public Utilities - Water

What’s next

The city expects to bid out construction for the north plant upgrades later this year or early next year.

The takeaway

Naperville's $190 million wastewater treatment plant upgrade is a critical infrastructure investment that will help the city meet long-term capacity needs, comply with environmental regulations, and reduce its ecological impact on the broader watershed and Gulf of Mexico.