Sea Grant Illinois-Indiana
Water supply forecasts inform community planning
Close up of a dripping chrome faucet with water drops, highlighting water waste, plumbing issues, and the importance of resource management
Despite access to Lake Michigan, parts of the Chicago region face water supply challenges that will worsen without coordinated conservation efforts. Accurate demand forecasts help the state, counties, and communities plan for sustainable water use.
In 2024, Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant and the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) completed the updated Northeastern Illinois Regional Water Demand Forecast to 2050, a key tool in long-term water supply planning. This new version includes the latest population numbers, plus adjustments were made based on how successfully the previous forecast predicted water demand. Our role in this effort included technical assistance in economics by developing guidance, training CMAP planners in water demand forecasting, and troubleshooting as needed.
The Illinois State Water Survey uses demand forecast data to inform its water supply modeling. In addition, forecasts provide insights to over 200 communities in seven counties (home to 8.5 million people) as they assess water sufficiency and explore conservation and alternative sources. As part of the forecast update, sustainable supply values were developed for water sources in the region and these values are compared to demand, giving first-ever numerical targets of expected water supply shortages.
Recent News
- Sea Grant Chats: Looking back on our AIS legacy as we move forward
- National Sea Grant welcomes 2026 Knauss Marine Policy Fellowship finalists
- IISG’s new year starts with a new research and reporting coordinator
- Ripple Effects curriculum engages students on the spread of aquatic invasive species
- Coastal communities can tap into IISG resources as they manage beach sand and structures
IISG Instagram
🎉 Congratulations to our IISG Knauss Fellowship finalists!
We’re proud to announce Anupama Chandroth (@iubloomington) and Laura Gray (@illinois1867) as Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant’s finalists for the 2026 Sea Grant Knauss Fellowship.
They’ll join a national cohort of 48 finalists placed in executive and legislative branch offices in Washington, D.C., contributing scientific expertise to federal decision-making on marine, coastal, and Great Lakes issues.
Full story at the link in bio.
2016 was a big year for Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant! From award-winning work to hands-on field experiences for students, community events on Lake Michigan, and strong partnerships across the region, IISG was busy advancing Great Lakes science, education, and stewardship every step of the way.
Reminisce with us on all things 2016 at the link in bio.
Ripple Effects is a collection of 8 activities for grades 6–12 that introduces students to aquatic invasive species in the Great Lakes.
Through research, reporting, and role-playing games, students will:
✅ Explore how non-native species arrived
✅ Understand why they threaten native ecosystems
✅ Investigate their impact on the Great Lakes
Aligned with Next Generation Science Standards and Great Lakes Literacy Principles, this curriculum is perfect for engaging students in real-world science and stewardship.
🔗 visit the link in bio to learn more
Graduate students: don’t miss your chance to advance your research and expand your professional network! The 2026 Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant Graduate Scholars Program is now open for applications. Whether your work focuses on coastal resiliency, Great Lakes science, water resources, or community engagement, this opportunity offers funding and professional development to support your graduate research. Learn more and apply today — opportunities like this don’t come every year!
👉 Read the full details at the link in bio.
