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- Highland Lake Water System Improvements - Phase 2 (ARPA Funded)
Highland Lake Water System Improvements - Phase 2 (ARPA Funded)
Project Location
- Subdivision west of Highland Lake in unincorporated Avon Township
- South of Highland Lake on the north side of Washington Street
- The vicinity of Wilmar, Gerwal and Eldor Avenue on the east side of Highland Lake
- 34225 N. Lakeside Drive, Grayslake
Project Description
Lake County Public Works (LCPW) completed a study that identified that the Highland Lake water system needs to be modernized to make the system more resilient in emergency situations. As part of this project, LCPW was approached by a smaller, private system with improvement needs and found there is a mutual benefit of a system interconnection.
Improvements are being constructed in two phases:
- The interconnection of both systems with a water main installed on the north side of Washington Street (substantially complete).
- Water system improvements to provide additional system resiliency, including well pumping capacity and water storage (design underway). The facilities are proposed to be constructed at 34225 N. Lakeside Drive, Grayslake.
The Phase 1 water main interconnection was substantially completed in 2023, and Phase 2 will be constructed in 2024-2025 pending project readiness. Phase 2 design is underway. Learn more about Phase 1.
This project is supported in whole by federal award number 21.027 awarded to Lake County by the U.S. Department of the Treasury to improve the Highland Lake Water System. ARPA funds represent 100% of the total project funding.
Current Phase/Anticipated Schedule:
Design is underway for phase two and construction of the modernization improvements are anticipated to occur in 2024 and 2025.
The water storage tank and pump house are proposed to be located at 34225 N. Lakeside Drive, Grayslake. On Nov. 16, 2023, Lake County Public Works presented the project to area residents at the Grayslake Village Hall. View the presentation shown at the meeting.
In the coming weeks, the Village of Grayslake Plan Commission/Zoning Board of Appeals will consider the land use proposal and the Grayslake Village Board will take final action to approve siting of the facilities.
How do I Stay Informed?
Receive updates via email by signing up for project updates.
Ying Miao, P.E.
Principal Engineer
847-377-7500
[email protected]
Why is this project needed?
LCPW proactively maintains our infrastructure and we study improvement needs. A recent study identified a modernization need to provide more water storage capacity. The Highland Lake water system needs improvements now, and the additional well and storage capacity would serve as a backup for emergency conditions or planned service interruptions.
Will these improvements serve me?
The Highland Lake community is served by LCPW sewer service, and a portion of residents are served by LCPW water service. Examine your customer bill for more information.
Where will the water storage tank and pump house be located?
The water storage tank and pump house are proposed to be located at 34225 N. Lakeside Drive, Grayslake. LCPW is pursuing land use approval from the Village of Grayslake.
Why is a pump house needed?
By locating the storage tank and pump house above ground, LCPW can readily inspect and maintain them so they can serve the community for the years to come. Wells and water storage facilities require disinfection equipment and electrical controls that should be stored indoors. Ground storage tanks require pumps to supply water to the system quickly and circulate water.
Why do storage tanks need to be above ground?
The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) no longer allows storage tanks to be buried, as the tanks must be inspected and maintained.
Will there be an extra cost to customers?
This project is being funded by the American Recovery Plan Act, and the rates of existing customers will not be affected by the project. Existing user rates do change over time, and you may see changes in your rate during the course of this project. These changes would not be related to this project.
Why aren’t you bringing Lake Michigan water to the community?
Overall, LCPW has a goal of bringing a Lake Michigan water source to existing well water systems, but that effort takes significant time and resources. The Highland Lake water system needs upgrades now, and the additional well and storage capacity would serve as a backup for emergency conditions or planned service interruptions even if there was a Lake Michigan Water source.