Suburban Leaders Plan Major Water Supply Shift

DuPage and Cook county officials unveiled a significant project aimed at shifting control of Lake Michigan water supply to suburban regions. This move might result in Chicago losing one of its major customers. The DuPage Water Commission and the Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency plan to collaborate on building a lake water intake, purification station, and extensive tunnels across two counties.

Project Overview

Commission board Chair Jim Zay announced the 15-year Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative, valued at up to $6 billion. This initiative aims to provide water to over 30 communities with a modern system ensuring reliable and sustainable water supply. Despite this, Chicago city officials remain skeptical about the project. A spokesman for Mayor Brandon Johnson highlighted that any shift would require legislation, a complex permitting process, and public capital subsidies. The city emphasizes continued talks with stakeholders to maintain high-quality water supply.

Funding and Locations

The DuPage Water Commission secured a $1 million Community Project Funding award with the help of U.S. Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi. Recently, the commission acquired the former Green Acres Golf Club in Northbrook, which is part of plans to supply Lake Michigan water to numerous suburban communities.

Ensuring Water Safety

Schaumburg Democrat emphasized the necessity for safe water, highlighting protection against microplastics, PFAS, and lead. New purification technologies will address emerging contaminants, according to General Manager Paul May. Initial plans propose placing a water intake east of Glencoe, flowing through tunnels to a purification facility in Northbrook. The treated water will be routed to seven northwest Cook suburbs, ending at the commission’s Elmhurst headquarters. Completion aligns with the expiration of the current city contract in 2041.

Future Prospects and Concerns

According to May, this new water system will ensure backup support in emergencies. Currently, Chicago draws and treats Lake Michigan water at Jardine Water Purification Plant. However, recent glitches in water delivery due to power issues concern Zay, who mentions high payments to the city without corresponding infrastructure investment. Local control over water rates is another advantage of the new system, reflected in past hikes under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel. Future infrastructure could potentially serve 20 more communities.

Overall, the suburban-led initiative represents a long-term solution to secure safe and reliable water for future generations.