About
Our Mission
Our goal is to deliver safe and clean water to families and businesses in the villages of Justice and Willow Springs. In addition, the Water Commission team repairs water main breaks, monitors and ensures the quality of the water, and assists residents and businesses in managing their water consumption.
The Water Commission is governed by three board members, each which serve a term of 6 years.
Our History
We were incorporated in May of 1964. Since then, we have grown to have over 85 miles of water main, we currently maintain about 1000 fire hydrants, we have 5-million gallons of water in reserve, 1-3-million-gallon tank, 1 -1-million-gallon tank and the most noticeable is our recently refurbished high tank which holds 1-million gallons, we have replaced on average 3000 feet of aging water main annually as part of our capital improvement program. That is over a ½ mile of water main per year. We continuously strive to maintain the water distribution system to provide quality water and service to our consumers.
Meet the Team
Mary Jane Mannella was appointed to the Water Commission by Willow Springs Village President John Carpino in 2017. Mary Jane, a lifetime resident of Willow Springs, has served in local Government since 1997 both as a Village of Willow Springs Trustee for 8 years, as Village Clerk for 4 years, Canal Corridor Association representative for the village, and Rendezvous Committee member.
She attended LEADS certification from the Illinois Municipal League/University of Illinois. She also attended the Commissioners Training Institute and has found that to be invaluable to her position as Water Commissioner. She has a bachelor’s degree in computer science.
She and her husband have a business, Slip-Proof Safety, that provides home modifications for accessibility. She is Vice-President of the Continuity of Care South Suburban chapter. She has 2 grown daughters and one tiny dog.
George Pastorino was appointed to the Water Commission by Justice Village President Kris Wasowicz in 2019. George, a 20 year resident of Justice has served in local Government since 2008 both as a Village of Justice Trustee and as Chairman of The Justice Police Commission. He is certified by The Commissioners Training Institute.
He retired in 2014 after spending 38 years as a Surgical Instrument Repair Specialist and Master Instructor for Prezio Health. George is President of The Elmhurst Bike Club and is a Certified Mountain Bike Skills Instructor as well as a volunteer Bike Medic. He is active in the community and volunteers with Project Mobility to provide specially adapted bicycles to physically challenged children and wounded warriors.
