The DuPage Water Commission (DWC) announced Monday, Oct. 21, they have signed contracts to provide Lake Michigan drinking water to the Kendall County communities of Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville (WaterLink project). The communities are currently served with water from the Ironton-Galesville aquifer, which will be insufficient to provide water for the growing population. Montgomery mayor Matt Brolley summarized the initiative, stating “This partnership ensures a sustainable and reliable water supply for our communities and aligns with best practices for long-term water stewardship. Together, we are investing in the future of our entire region.”
The WaterLink communities first began studying long-term source water solutions approximately 10 years ago, considering a variety of options before ultimately identifying Lake Michigan water from the DuPage Water Commission as the preferred alternative in 2021.
After the determination was made, the DWC selected an engineering team and commenced work to prepare construction plans for the project, which will extend the Lake Michigan water service area from a connection point in Naperville to the “WaterLink” region in Kendall County.
“We appreciate the DuPage Water Commission’s efforts over the past few years to help us secure a sustainable water source. We look forward to joining the organization with our neighbors,” stated Yorkville Mayor John Purcell.
DWC chairman James F. Zay noted that beginning in 2025, the DuPage Water Commission will begin extending pipeline infrastructure; one of the largest water projects in the Midwest. The complex construction will include a 30-mile pipeline extension up to 54 inches in diameter, as well as tunnels beneath rivers, highways, and railroad corridors. Six construction contracts are anticipated to facilitate the work.
The WaterLink communities will provide funding for the $250 million project which is scheduled to commence in 2025 and be completed in 2028, after which time the WaterLink communities can connect to the new water source.
Oswego Village president Ryan Kauffman said, “Our collaboration with the DWC, along with Montgomery and Yorkville, has provided cost savings and a more strategic way to provide our community with a safe and sustainable water source.”
DuPage Water Commission has delivered nearly a trillion gallons of fresh Lake Michigan water to its one million customers during 30 years of pumping operations. It has become the standard for safe, clean, affordable Lake Michigan water in Illinois.
— DuPage Water Commission