June 2018 Update

Construction is underway for the fourth phase of the Lake Michigan Water Project. Information about the construction schedule and map is available on the CLCJAWA website in the section titled "Watermain Installation Project (NGBP#4) - (N. Cedar Lake Rd, Monaville Rd, Avon Dr, W. Lincoln Dr.)". This phase of work includes construction of underground pipelines which will cause disruption to the roads leading to the delivery structures, and equipment and materials will be stored in the right of way of some roads. These pipelines will connect the water delivery structures previously constructed in Fox Lake Hills and Lake Villa.

Fox Lake Hills Water System

The Fox Lake Hills Water System includes the subdivisions of Fox Lake Hills, Orchard Gardens, Amber Shores and Columbia Bay Estates.

Fox Lake Hills faces an uncertain future with regard to its water supply which comes from underground aquifers. Demand for water during peak periods is greater than these aquifers can supply resulting in low water levels and poor water quality. Because the underground aquifers have limited capacity, a decision on a long-term sustainable water supply is necessary.

Demand for water has resulted in the over-pumping of local wells. Continued use of these wells is not a viable long term option for Fox Lake Hills.

Aquifers & Groundwater Supply

The shallow aquifers have limited recharge capacity, and our current wells have inadequate capacity for current uses. They produce hard water from subsurface minerals, resulting in some residents treating the water with home water softening systems. There are also risks for water contamination from surface sources.

Continued depletion of this groundwater supply is causing serious short and long-term water supply concerns. As a result, the County will need to spend millions of dollars on the construction of a new shallow well, iron removal treatment and a pressure booster station, or find another permanent water source. Even if we would construct a new well, its useful life expectancy is limited due to the continued decline in quality and quantity of the water from the underground aquifer.

Cost of Securing a Lake Michigan Water Source

The most cost-effective and efficient transmission of Lake Michigan water is joining the Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency (CLCJAWA). Connecting to CLCJAWA allows us to branch off their existing piping network rather than constructing a new pipeline and intake at Lake Michigan.

A typical homeowner with a $200,000 home and water usage of 6,000 gallons per month would see a monthly increase of $37.56 in cost, or roughly $1.25 per day.

The projected cost to do nothing right now and react to future water supply problems in crisis mode would be higher. The cost of drilling an additional deep well, and then treating the poor water quality, would only temporarily solve our supply concerns and cost more than making the investment now to guarantee a safe and reliable water supply from Lake Michigan.