City of Joliet Seeking Alternative Water Source

The City of Joliet is undertaking a study to evaluate several sources of water that may prove to increase the city’s water supply sustainability. According to a press release from the city’s Interim City Manager, Martin J. Shanahan Jr., the Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) found that at the current rate of usage, the aquifer supplying the majority of the City’s water will no longer be sustainable by 2030. According to nationalgeographic.org, an aquifer is an underground layer of water-bearing rock. Water-bearing rocks are permeable, meaning that they have openings that liquids and gases can pass through.

Additionally, the study conducted by the city discovered five alternative water sources that maybe suitable for use in the future. According to the press release, the five are the Illinois River, Kankakee River, Lake Michigan through the Chicago Department of Water Management, Lake Michigan through the DuPage Water Commission, and Lake Michigan through the Southland Water Commission. Soon the city will undergo an analysis of these sources and identify needed improvements and the expected costs. A preferred alternative is expected to be identified by the end of the year.

Shanahan Jr. also states in the press release, “This issue is important to our community and an awareness campaign has launched. Citizens and businesses are encouraged to follow us on Facebook and Twitter and visit our website cityofjoliet.info and click on the ‘Rethink Water’ tab for more information and to sign up for the mailing list.”

Updates will be sent via email throughout the study to update on any new findings. Representatives for this study will also be on hand at local events and festivals to provide information and ideas for conserving water at home.