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Safe, Clean, Reliable WaterThe new water system will include modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced capabilities. The system will ensure the highest level of treatment for per-and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS), microplastics, pharmaceuticals, and emerging contaminants and will be equipped to respond to evolving water quality standards, changing conditions, and future water demands. The result will be safe, clean, and reliable water for current and future generations.
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Competitive Water CostsA Business Case Analysis was completed to provide a comprehensive, data-driven foundation to inform decisions regarding whether this new infrastructure project was feasible and fundable. After reviewing different scenarios, the analysis found that the new water system will provide water at a more competitive cost for customers.
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Water Resiliency for Northeastern IllinoisWater resiliency is the safety net that keeps water flowing. A reliable water system is designed with backup infrastructure so that if one component is unavailable, whether due to maintenance, equipment failure, severe weather, power outages, cyber threats, or other emergencies, water continues to flow to communities and homes.
The water system that currently supplies DWC and NSMJAWA communities comes from a single purification plant that has limited resiliency and backup infrastructure. By combining the Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative’s new water system to the old system, through existing infrastructure, it will create a water resiliency safety net that will provide safety and security for all Northeastern Illinois communities. |
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Independent Management and Rate SettingThis new water system will be independently managed and operated, which will create a more direct connection between customer needs and decisions regarding management, operations, infrastructure investments, and water rates.
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Regional ProsperityThis multi-billion-dollar infrastructure investment will be a major economic engine for the region. Every $1 billion invested in water generates approximately $2.6 billion in economic output, $832 million in labor income, $1.4 billion in Gross Domestic Product, and more than 10,000 jobs. A strong economy is also dependent on safe, clean, reliable water. This new infrastructure will enhance the economic competitiveness of the region.
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