Planning for Our Future Water Supply  The population in Northeastern Illinois is projected to grow as much as 38 percent by 2050. This growth is placing a huge demand on our water supply. To address this, State and local leaders are working together to plan for the future water supply needs of Lake County and the entire region. There are several ongoing initiatives related to water supply planning:

Local Focus:

• Lake County Water Supply Advisory Committee – Lake County, municipalities and other stakeholders are working to establish sustainable policies and practices in order to ensure there is available, clean, safe, and cost-effective drinking water in the future.
  
• Northern Lake County Lake Michigan Water Planning Project - Eleven communities in northern and western Lake County have joined together to try and secure Lake Michigan water as their water supply source. The goal is to transition from ground water to Lake Michigan water in order to meet long-term water demands for this growing area. More

Regional  Focus:

• Northeastern Regional Water Supply Planning Group –  Eleven counties in northeastern Illinois worked together to adopt the Northeastern Illinois Water Supply/Demand Plan. This plan is intended to ensure the availability of clean water for household and commercial use through the year 2050.
  
• Lake County Northwest Water Planning Alliance – The counties of Lake, McHenry, Kane, Kendall and DeKalb, along with the Lake County Municipal League, Barrington Area Council of Governments and three other councils of government, are collaborating to implement strategies for the Water 2050: Northeastern Illinois Water Supply/Demand Plan with a focus on ground and surface water. This plan was the result of efforts by the Northeastern Regional Water Supply Planning Group which was made up of eleven counties and key private sector representatives from northeastern Illinois. County Board member Bonnie Thomson Carter served as chair of this group for two years. The Alliance’s main goal is to ensure the availability of clean water for household and commercial use through the year 2050.

Where Does Our Water Come From? Lake County residents get their water either from Lake Michigan or the aquifer. The amount of water that can be taken out of Lake Michigan is limited.  While rainwater recharges the aquifer and replenishes wells, we are withdrawing more water than the aquifer is capable of replacing.

Why Should We Conserve Water?

Water is a precious resource that we must preserve so it is available today, and for generations to come. Making a habit of conservation makes sense.

Don't be a water waster! 

Conservation Resources
Indoor Water Conservation
Outdoor Water Conservation