The crucial role of sustainable, safe, and affordable access to water in achieving human rights and economic prosperity is globally recognized (United Nations Resolution 64/292). For more than a century, local governments have sought the expertise of the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) to inform their infrastructure decisions and improve their understanding of water supply issues. However, there are still areas, such as southern Cook and eastern Will Counties (the South Suburbs), that lack the resources and coordination to initiate their own study. These areas rely on both Lake Michigan (for public drinking water) and groundwater (for public drinking water, backup and private domestic supply), and some municipalities may be forced to switch to Lake Michigan as their groundwater quality declines, impacting the allocation of Lake Michigan water for the entire region.
The primary outcomes of this study will be a refinement of and an increase in access to our collective knowledge regarding the suitability of available water resources to meet the demands of the South Suburbs. The overarching goal of ISWS, Chicago Metropolitan Planning Agency, and our numerous supporting partners, in undertaking this endeavor is to provide for a more equitable position for these, otherwise underserved, communities to plan for and negotiate their water resource futures.