Planning for a Long Term Sustainable Water Supply

On January 19, 2011 the Illinois Department of Natural Resources approved requests for Lake Michigan Water Allocations submitted by several communities in northern and western Lake County. This was the first step in a complex, multi-step process to transition from ground water to Lake Michigan water in order to meet long-term water demands for this growing area. The Northern Lake County Lake Michigan Water Planning Group (The North Group) is made up of communities that have been working on this project for more than six years, conducting feasibility studies and developing the allocation requests. The North Group project includes the communities of Lake Villa, Lindenhurst and Lake County (unincorporated areas of Fox Lake Hills and Grandwood Park).

Feasibility Studies

Feasibility studies have shown that continued reliance on the aquifers in this area is not sustainable because of limited capacity in the aquifers and decreasing water quality. Demand for water has resulted in over-pumping of several aquifers creating low water levels and poor water quality.

The communities have installed 40 wells, 34 shallow wells and six deep wells. During the last 15 years, 12 of the shallow wells have been sealed or taken out of operation due to water quality or quantity issues.

Deep wells have provided a short-term solution, however quality issues require radium removal. In addition the water level of the deep aquifer is declining steadily at a rate of 7 feet per year. As growth rates in McHenry County and Southern Wisconsin rise, the rate of declining water levels will accelerate.