DuPage and Cook Counties Plan $6 Billion Water Project

Leaders from DuPage and Cook counties have announced a major water supply project that could dramatically alter water distribution from Lake Michigan to suburban areas. This initiative might result in Chicago losing one of its largest water customers.

Project Overview

The collaboration involves the DuPage Water Commission and the Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency. Together, they plan to establish a new lake water intake, purification station, and tunnels spanning across the two counties. The initiative, called the Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative, is projected to cost up to $6 billion and aim to serve over 30 communities.

Jim Zay, the commission board Chair, highlighted the importance of the project. He mentioned its aim is to create a “modern, state-of-the-art, source-to-tap water system” for reliable and sustainable water supply to local communities.

Challenges and Concerns

City officials of Chicago have expressed skepticism about the plan. A representative for Mayor Brandon Johnson emphasized the city’s ongoing role in supplying the DuPage Water Commission with quality drinking water since 1983. The spokesperson noted that building new facilities would necessitate state legislation, extensive permitting processes, and allocation of public funds.

The city remains engaged in discussions with the DuPage Water Commission and other stakeholders to ensure continued reliable water supply.

Funding and Infrastructure

The DuPage Water Commission recently received a $1 million Community Project Funding award. U.S. Representative Raja Krishnamoorthi played a key role in securing this funding. The commission had earlier acquired the former Green Acres Golf Club in Northbrook, which is now part of the strategy to deliver Lake Michigan water to 30+ suburban communities.

“People need water that is safe in various respects,” noted the Schaumburg Democrat, referencing safety from contaminants like microplastics, PFAS, and lead.

The new purification system will incorporate the latest technology to manage emerging contaminants, according to General Manager Paul May. The plan includes a water intake east of Glencoe, transporting raw water through a tunnel to the Northbrook facility.

Future Prospects

Once treated, the water will flow through another tunnel near O’Hare International Airport for distribution to suburbs like Schaumburg and Hoffman Estates, ending at Elmhurst. The project is slated for completion in 2041, coinciding with the expiration of the current contract with Chicago.

Paul May mentioned, “We’re presenting a solution for the next generations.” He noted that this separate system allows for emergency backup between entities.

Currently, water is sourced from Lake Michigan and treated at Chicago’s Jardine Water Purification Plant before delivery to the commission.

Financial Implications

Challenges with Chicago’s reliability have prompted this new initiative, according to Jim Zay. Recent power-related disruptions raised concerns, and ownership of the new system would bring rate control back to local authorities. Zay recalled past rate hikes under former mayor Rahm Emanuel that disrupted budgets.

Looking ahead, rates for the new system are expected to remain competitive with current inflation-adjusted pricing. Officials speculate that future infrastructure developments might extend water supply to 20 additional communities.