There is some concerning news coming from the southwest suburbs: the current water source, a nearly century-old aquifer, is rapidly depleting and will no longer be able to meet demand by 2030.
This situation has prompted a significant new project that officially broke ground earlier this week. A 60-mile transmission pipeline will bring Lake Michigan water to six suburban communities.
According to NBC Chicago, the water will be transported from Chicago to Crest Hill, Joliet, Channahon, Minooka, Romeoville, and Shorewood, suburban communities that make up the “Grand Prairie Water Commission” (GPWC).
A $1.4 billion pipeline will fix the water crisis
Clarence DeBold, the chairman of the GPWC and the mayor of Shorewood, stated:
Initially, this will serve approximately 250,000 residents, and it can expand to accommodate up to about half a million.
NBC Chicago also reported that the $1.4 billion pipeline consists of multiple projects spanning five years, beginning in Durkin Park. The water will be treated in Chicago, where the water system has an extensive treatment process, eliminating the need for water softeners.
John Noak, the Mayor of Romeoville said:
This project is an example and testament to what local governments can do when they come together and work collaboratively.
The participating communities are relying on low-interest loans from state and federal agencies to finance the project, although residents can expect to pay more for water over time.
Officials are targeting a completion date of mid-2030.