FAQs |
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Current Water Supply System |
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Where do the DuPage Water Commission and Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency currently get their water from?
The DuPage Water Commission (DWC) and Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency (NSMJAWA) purchase water from the City of Chicago. NSMJAWA has a Water Purchase Agreement with Chicago that expires in 2032. DWC has a Water Purchase and Sale Contract with Chicago that expires in 2041. Under the current arrangement, both agencies purchase treated Lake Michigan water at a wholesale rate determined by Chicago.
What happens when DWC’s water supply contract ends in 2041?
The Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative is planned to be completed and operational by 2041. This means the new water system will be ready to begin delivering water when DWC’s current water supply contract ends.
What are DWC and NSMJAWA’s concerns with the current water supply system?
DWC and NSMJAWA's concerns include: 1.) Cost of Water 2.) Aging Infrastructure & Inadequate Capital Investment 3.) Multiple, Sequential Single Points of Failure 4.) Lack of Water Resiliency 5.) Lack of Governance Role or Binding Influence. Collectively, these concerns present significant risks related to cost, reliability, resiliency, and long-term system sustainability.
1.) Cost of Water – Chicago's wholesale water purchase rates have nearly tripled since 2006, creating uncertainty regarding the affordability and long-term predictability of future water costs. Rates have increased by 148% in the past 15 years and by 247% in the past 20 years. For DWC, water usage has remained relatively consistent, decreasing by 4% since 2009, while the amount paid has increased by 184% – from $44 million in 2009 to $125 million today. For NSMJAWA, water usage has declined by 15% since 2009, while the amount paid has increased by 136% – from $19 million in 2009 to $45 million today.
Both DWC and NSMJAWA have raised concerns about water affordability and long-term predictability of future water costs.
2.) Aging Infrastructure & Inadequate Capital Investment* – Chicago's water supply system includes aging infrastructure, and inadequate investment in repair and replacement creates uncertainty regarding the system's long-term condition and reliability.
The William E. Dever Crib was placed in service in 1935, 91 years ago, and it is the only crib serving the Jardine Water Purification Plant (JWPP). JWPP was once served by two cribs, the William E. Dever Crib and Carter H. Harrison Crib. In 1997, the tunnel connecting the Carter H. Harrison Crib to the JWPP collapsed, permanently severing the connection. In the 29 years since, Chicago has not invested in a new crib or tunnel serving JWPP to restore water resiliency.
The Chicago Avenue Tunnel connecting the William E. Dever Crib to the JWPP and connecting JWPP to downline Pump Stations and DWC was also placed in service in 1935, 91 years ago. The Lake View Tunnel and Wilson Avenue Tunnel, the tunnel connecting the JWPP to downstream water pump stations and NSMJAWA, were placed in 1892 and 1918 respectively, 134 and 108 years ago.
The Jardine Water Purification Plant was placed in service in 1968, 58 years ago.
While not directly serving DWC or NSMJAWA, Chicago has multiple pump stations along the supply tunnels from JWPP to DWC and NSMJAWA pump stations. Failure at any of these pump stations or their associated connections to the supply tunnel could create adverse risk.
Chicago Avenue Tunnel (DWC Supply Tunnel):
Lake View and Wilson Avenue Tunnel (NSMJAWA Supply Tunnel):
Both DWC and NSMJAWA have raised concerns regarding aging infrastructure and inadequate investment in repair and replacement.
*References: Chicago Water System (1956). A Century of Progress in Water Works 1833-1933 (1933).
3.) Multiple, Sequential Single Points of Failure (SPOFs) – The current water supply system that serves DWC and NSMJAWA contains multiple, sequential single points of failure, raising concerns regarding system reliability and resiliency. A Single Point of Failure (SPOF) is a system component that lacks a backup. If that component fails, the entire system can be disrupted or fail. The current water supply system contains the following SPOFs:
Single Points of Failure in Current Water System Serving DWC:
Single Points of Failure in Current Water System Serving NSMJAWA:
If any of these components were to fail due to maintenance, equipment failure, severe weather, power outages, cyber threats, or other emergencies, water would cease to flow to DWC and NSMJAWA customers and all customers downstream from the affected component.
Both DWC and NSMJAWA have raised concerns regarding the multiple, sequential single points of failure.
*This water pipeline has failed before; there was no backup infrastructure then, and there is no backup infrastructure now. If the water pipeline fails again, water would cease to flow to NSMJAWA customers.
4.) Lack of Water Resiliency – The water system that currently supplies DWC and NSMJAWA communities has limited resiliency and backup infrastructure, creating system vulnerability and increasing the risk of service disruptions if critical system components fail. 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.
Both DWC and NSMJAWA have raised concerns regarding the limited resiliency and backup infrastructure.
5.) Lack of Governance Role or Binding Influence – DWC and NSMJAWA depend on the current water supply system yet neither organization has a formal governance role or binding influence in decisions regarding operations, maintenance, or investments. Chicago, the water supplier, retains sole authority over these decisions. Consequently, DWC and NSMJAWA have no ability to address or direct Chicago to address any of the other concerns identified above, including rising water costs, aging infrastructure, inadequate investment, single points of failure, and lack of water resiliency.
1.) Cost of Water – Chicago's wholesale water purchase rates have nearly tripled since 2006, creating uncertainty regarding the affordability and long-term predictability of future water costs. Rates have increased by 148% in the past 15 years and by 247% in the past 20 years. For DWC, water usage has remained relatively consistent, decreasing by 4% since 2009, while the amount paid has increased by 184% – from $44 million in 2009 to $125 million today. For NSMJAWA, water usage has declined by 15% since 2009, while the amount paid has increased by 136% – from $19 million in 2009 to $45 million today.
Both DWC and NSMJAWA have raised concerns about water affordability and long-term predictability of future water costs.
2.) Aging Infrastructure & Inadequate Capital Investment* – Chicago's water supply system includes aging infrastructure, and inadequate investment in repair and replacement creates uncertainty regarding the system's long-term condition and reliability.
The William E. Dever Crib was placed in service in 1935, 91 years ago, and it is the only crib serving the Jardine Water Purification Plant (JWPP). JWPP was once served by two cribs, the William E. Dever Crib and Carter H. Harrison Crib. In 1997, the tunnel connecting the Carter H. Harrison Crib to the JWPP collapsed, permanently severing the connection. In the 29 years since, Chicago has not invested in a new crib or tunnel serving JWPP to restore water resiliency.
The Chicago Avenue Tunnel connecting the William E. Dever Crib to the JWPP and connecting JWPP to downline Pump Stations and DWC was also placed in service in 1935, 91 years ago. The Lake View Tunnel and Wilson Avenue Tunnel, the tunnel connecting the JWPP to downstream water pump stations and NSMJAWA, were placed in 1892 and 1918 respectively, 134 and 108 years ago.
The Jardine Water Purification Plant was placed in service in 1968, 58 years ago.
While not directly serving DWC or NSMJAWA, Chicago has multiple pump stations along the supply tunnels from JWPP to DWC and NSMJAWA pump stations. Failure at any of these pump stations or their associated connections to the supply tunnel could create adverse risk.
Chicago Avenue Tunnel (DWC Supply Tunnel):
- Chicago Avenue Pump Station, placed in service in 1854, 172 years ago
- Central Park Pump Station, placed in service in 1900, 126 years ago
- Lexington Avenue Pump Station, placed in service in 1992, 34 years ago
Lake View and Wilson Avenue Tunnel (NSMJAWA Supply Tunnel):
- Lake View Pump Station, placed in service in 1889, 137 years ago
- Thomas Jefferson Pump Station, placed in service in 1928, 98 years ago
- Mayfair Pump Station, placed in service in 1918, 108 years ago
Both DWC and NSMJAWA have raised concerns regarding aging infrastructure and inadequate investment in repair and replacement.
*References: Chicago Water System (1956). A Century of Progress in Water Works 1833-1933 (1933).
3.) Multiple, Sequential Single Points of Failure (SPOFs) – The current water supply system that serves DWC and NSMJAWA contains multiple, sequential single points of failure, raising concerns regarding system reliability and resiliency. A Single Point of Failure (SPOF) is a system component that lacks a backup. If that component fails, the entire system can be disrupted or fail. The current water supply system contains the following SPOFs:
Single Points of Failure in Current Water System Serving DWC:
- William E. Dever Crib
- Raw Water Intake Tunnel
- Jardine Water Purification Plant (JWPP)
- Transmission Tunnel
- Lexington Avenue Pump Station
Single Points of Failure in Current Water System Serving NSMJAWA:
- William E. Dever Crib
- Raw Water Intake Tunnel
- Jardine Water Purification Plant (JWPP)
- Transmission Tunnel
- Singular Water Pipeline*
If any of these components were to fail due to maintenance, equipment failure, severe weather, power outages, cyber threats, or other emergencies, water would cease to flow to DWC and NSMJAWA customers and all customers downstream from the affected component.
Both DWC and NSMJAWA have raised concerns regarding the multiple, sequential single points of failure.
*This water pipeline has failed before; there was no backup infrastructure then, and there is no backup infrastructure now. If the water pipeline fails again, water would cease to flow to NSMJAWA customers.
4.) Lack of Water Resiliency – The water system that currently supplies DWC and NSMJAWA communities has limited resiliency and backup infrastructure, creating system vulnerability and increasing the risk of service disruptions if critical system components fail. 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.
Both DWC and NSMJAWA have raised concerns regarding the limited resiliency and backup infrastructure.
5.) Lack of Governance Role or Binding Influence – DWC and NSMJAWA depend on the current water supply system yet neither organization has a formal governance role or binding influence in decisions regarding operations, maintenance, or investments. Chicago, the water supplier, retains sole authority over these decisions. Consequently, DWC and NSMJAWA have no ability to address or direct Chicago to address any of the other concerns identified above, including rising water costs, aging infrastructure, inadequate investment, single points of failure, and lack of water resiliency.
Cost of Water |
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Who currently sets the cost of water?
DWC and NSMJAWA currently purchase water from the City of Chicago. Under this arrangement, both agencies purchase treated Lake Michigan water at a wholesale rate determined by Chicago.
Is Chicago transitioning to a cost-of-service-based rate methodology?
Chicago has notified its customers, including DWC and NSMJAWA, of its intention to transition to a new cost-of-service-based rate methodology starting in 2030; however, Chicago has made no legally binding commitments to DWC or NSMJAWA for this transition and the rate methodology model has not been completed.
What is a cost-of-service-based rate methodology? If Chicago transitions to a cost-of-service-based rate methodology, what does that mean for me?
A cost-of-service-based rate methodology determines rates by dividing the water provider’s costs of operating, maintaining, and investing in the water system among customers based on the demand they place on the system. Under a cost-of-service-based methodology, Chicago would have sole authority to make the operational, maintenance, and investment decisions that determine water costs. DWC, NSMJAWA, and their customers would continue to have no binding role in decision-making and no ability to ensure that they are made in their customers’ best interests.
Under the Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative, who will set the cost of water?
Under the Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative, DWC and NSMJAWA will set the purchase rate for their customers. A Business Case Analysis found that the new water system will provide water at competitive and more predictable year-to-year costs for customers.
What will I pay for water when the project is complete?
A Business Case Analysis was completed to provide a comprehensive, data-driven foundation to inform decisions regarding whether this new infrastructure project is feasible and fundable. After reviewing different scenarios, the analysis found that the new water system will provide water at competitive and more predictable year-to-year costs for customers.
According to mid-range estimates, over a 50-year period, DWC is projected to offer significant cost advantages, reducing overall costs by roughly 30% compared to the current water supply system, which equates to an estimated $6 billion in savings. NSMJAWA is projected to offer even greater cost advantages, reducing overall costs by roughly 67% compared to the alternative, which equates to an estimated $11 billion in savings.
According to mid-range estimates, over a 50-year period, DWC is projected to offer significant cost advantages, reducing overall costs by roughly 30% compared to the current water supply system, which equates to an estimated $6 billion in savings. NSMJAWA is projected to offer even greater cost advantages, reducing overall costs by roughly 67% compared to the alternative, which equates to an estimated $11 billion in savings.
Service Area |
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Who will the Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative serve?
The Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative will serve DWC and NSMJAWA customers. Each agency’s customers are listed below:
DuPage Water Commission: Village of Addison, Village of Bartlett, Village of Bensenville, Village of Bloomingdale, Village of Carol Stream, Village of Clarendon Hills, City of Darien, Village of Downers Grove, County of DuPage, City of Elmhurst, Village of Glendale Heights, Village of Glen Ellyn, Village of Hinsdale, Village of Itasca, Village of Lisle, Village of Lombard, City of Naperville, Village of Oak Brook, City of Oakbrook Terrace, Village of Roselle, Village of Villa Park, Village of Westmont, City of Wheaton, Village of Willowbrook, Village of Winfield, City of Wood Dale, Village of Woodridge, Illinois American Water Company, Argonne National Laboratory, Aqua Illinois, Village of Oswego*, United City of Yorkville*, Village of Montgomery*
*Upon completion of the Waterlink Project.
Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency: Village of Elk Grove Village, Village of Hanover Park, Village of Hoffman Estates, Village of Mount Prospect, City of Rolling Meadows, Village of Schaumburg, Village of Streamwood
DuPage Water Commission: Village of Addison, Village of Bartlett, Village of Bensenville, Village of Bloomingdale, Village of Carol Stream, Village of Clarendon Hills, City of Darien, Village of Downers Grove, County of DuPage, City of Elmhurst, Village of Glendale Heights, Village of Glen Ellyn, Village of Hinsdale, Village of Itasca, Village of Lisle, Village of Lombard, City of Naperville, Village of Oak Brook, City of Oakbrook Terrace, Village of Roselle, Village of Villa Park, Village of Westmont, City of Wheaton, Village of Willowbrook, Village of Winfield, City of Wood Dale, Village of Woodridge, Illinois American Water Company, Argonne National Laboratory, Aqua Illinois, Village of Oswego*, United City of Yorkville*, Village of Montgomery*
*Upon completion of the Waterlink Project.
Northwest Suburban Municipal Joint Action Water Agency: Village of Elk Grove Village, Village of Hanover Park, Village of Hoffman Estates, Village of Mount Prospect, City of Rolling Meadows, Village of Schaumburg, Village of Streamwood
How could the Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative serve an additional 20+ communities and 775,000+ people?
There are communities in Cook, Kane, and McHenry counties that could be served by the Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative, given their location and proximity to the new water system’s routing and facilities and/or DWC’s and NSMJAWA’s existing infrastructure.
Water Supply System Infrastructure |
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What is a raw water intake and tunnel?
A raw water intake and tunnel is a structure and system designed to collect untreated water from a natural water source and transport it underground to a water treatment plant. Intakes are placed offshore and can be completely submerged on the bottom or stand as visible structures. Tunnels are placed deep under the ground to protect the water supply from surface contamination and freezing.
What is a water purification facility?
A water purification facility is an industrial plant that treats water to make it safe, clean, and ready to drink. Water purification facilities are regulated by the EPA.
What is a purified water transmission tunnel?
A purified water transmission tunnel is an underground pipeline system that safely transports treated water while protecting it from contamination.
What are per-and-polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)? Why are they harmful?
PFAS, often referred to as “forever chemicals,” are human-made chemicals known for their very strong molecular bonds, which prevent the compounds from breaking down in air, water, and soil, allowing them to last for decades or centuries. PFAS have been used in a wide range of consumer products and industrial processes, which has resulted in PFAS being released into the air, water, and soil.
PFAS build up in the body over time and can take several months to several years to be eliminated. Research on the effects of PFAS exposure on human health is ongoing, and current scientific studies have identified possible adverse health effects such as:
PFAS are emerging contaminants and will be increasingly regulated by the EPA in the near future. The new water system will be designed with modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced capabilities and will ensure the highest level of treatment for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
PFAS build up in the body over time and can take several months to several years to be eliminated. Research on the effects of PFAS exposure on human health is ongoing, and current scientific studies have identified possible adverse health effects such as:
- High Cholesterol
- Thyroid Disease
- Certain Cancers
- Reduced Vaccine Response
- Pregnancy-Induced Hypertension
- Low Birth Weight
- Developmental Delays
PFAS are emerging contaminants and will be increasingly regulated by the EPA in the near future. The new water system will be designed with modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced capabilities and will ensure the highest level of treatment for per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS).
What are microplastics? Why are they harmful?
Microplastics (MPs) are plastic particles ranging in size from 1 nanometer (nm) to 5 millimeters (mm). For comparison, 1 nm is about 1/100,000 of a grain of sand and 5 mm is about 50 grains of sand lined up. Microplastics enter drinking water sources in a number of ways, from water running off roads and land after rain, to wastewater released from treatment plants, sewer system overflows, industrial discharges, broken-down plastic waste, and plastic particles that travel through the air and settle into water sources.
Research on the health impacts of microplastics in humans is just beginning. Microplastics have been found in human organs and tissues. Researchers have estimated that adults ingest the equivalent of one credit card per week in microplastics.
Microplastics are an emerging contaminant and a priority concern for the EPA. Microplastics will be increasingly regulated by the EPA in the near future. The new water system will include modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced capabilities, and will ensure the highest level of treatment for microplastics.
Research on the health impacts of microplastics in humans is just beginning. Microplastics have been found in human organs and tissues. Researchers have estimated that adults ingest the equivalent of one credit card per week in microplastics.
Microplastics are an emerging contaminant and a priority concern for the EPA. Microplastics will be increasingly regulated by the EPA in the near future. The new water system will include modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced capabilities, and will ensure the highest level of treatment for microplastics.
What are pharmaceuticals? Why are they harmful?
Pharmaceuticals are synthetic or natural chemicals found in prescription and over-the-counter medicines
designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Pharmaceuticals enter drinking water sources in a number of ways, from wastewater, to agricultural runoff, improper disposal, and other methods.
Research on the health impacts of pharmaceutical contaminants in drinking water is just beginning. Research on the effects of pharmaceutical contaminants in lakes, rivers, and streams has shown that exposure can harm aquatic wildlife by impairing reproduction, altering behavior in ways that reduce survival, and causing direct toxic effects.
Pharmaceuticals are an emerging contaminant and a priority concern for the EPA. Pharmaceuticals will be increasingly regulated by the EPA in the near future. The new water system will include modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced capabilities, and will ensure the highest level of treatment for pharmaceuticals.
designed to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent diseases. Pharmaceuticals enter drinking water sources in a number of ways, from wastewater, to agricultural runoff, improper disposal, and other methods.
Research on the health impacts of pharmaceutical contaminants in drinking water is just beginning. Research on the effects of pharmaceutical contaminants in lakes, rivers, and streams has shown that exposure can harm aquatic wildlife by impairing reproduction, altering behavior in ways that reduce survival, and causing direct toxic effects.
Pharmaceuticals are an emerging contaminant and a priority concern for the EPA. Pharmaceuticals will be increasingly regulated by the EPA in the near future. The new water system will include modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art technology, and advanced capabilities, and will ensure the highest level of treatment for pharmaceuticals.
What is water resiliency? Why is water resiliency important?
Water 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 intake, purification plant, pump station, and supply path that have limited resiliency and backup infrastructure. This creates risk for customers.
This initiative is planning for and designing a resilient system that would keep drinking water flowing when the current system experiences an emergency or disruption. By connecting the new Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative system to the existing system through existing infrastructure, we can create a regional water resiliency safety net that provides additional safety and security for Northeastern Illinois communities. Resiliency is a best practice for ensuring a safe, clean, and reliable water supply.
The water system that currently supplies DWC and NSMJAWA communities comes from a single intake, purification plant, pump station, and supply path that have limited resiliency and backup infrastructure. This creates risk for customers.
This initiative is planning for and designing a resilient system that would keep drinking water flowing when the current system experiences an emergency or disruption. By connecting the new Lake Michigan Regional Water Supply Initiative system to the existing system through existing infrastructure, we can create a regional water resiliency safety net that provides additional safety and security for Northeastern Illinois communities. Resiliency is a best practice for ensuring a safe, clean, and reliable water supply.
Construction |
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When will construction start? How long will construction take?
The project will advance into construction in 2031. Construction will last approximately 10 years.
Funding |
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How much will the project cost?
The project is estimated to cost approximately $6 billion in 2026 dollars. This estimate will continue to be refined as the project advances.
How will the project be funded?
The project may be eligible for favorable financing through the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WIFIA program, which is designed to support major water infrastructure investments; up to 49% of the project’s construction costs could be financed through this program. The remaining costs would be covered through other funding sources, such as conventional infrastructure revenue bonds, allowing financing to be structured in a way that ensures long-term affordability.
Both agencies’ high credit ratings position them to evaluate potential infrastructure investments in a financially responsible manner and may help support favorable financing options as the project advances.
Both agencies’ high credit ratings position them to evaluate potential infrastructure investments in a financially responsible manner and may help support favorable financing options as the project advances.
