Planning for Illinois’ Water Future
Northeastern Illinois’ water resources are finite and constantly under stress from population growth, aging and inefficient infrastructure, and climate change. Illinois’ withdrawals from Lake Michigan are limited by U.S. law, while our underground water stores are being drained faster than they can recharge. Given that our water supply is not growing, but demand is, it is essential that we conserve existing resources and use them as efficiently as possible. Water supply policy and investment must respect the regional nature of water supplies and the local nature of water management. Since 2003, MPC and Openlands have advocated for greater regional coordination on water supply issues. In 2010, this project will advocate for increased state support for regional water supply planning, a rethinking of federal and state infrastructure investment policies, and more flexible tools for local conservation and efficiency upgrades.
Water Supply Planning Fact Sheet
Articles
Senate candidates go on the record on regional, state planning issues at MPC's 2010 Annual Luncheon-
- At MPC’s 2010 Annual Luncheon on Monday, June 21, Illinois’ U.S. Senate candidates Alexi Giannoulias (D), Mark Kirk (R), and LeAlan Jones (Green) had the opportunity to explain their platforms for supporting the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning's efforts in metropolitan Chicago,…
Charting a new course for the Chicago River-
- The Chicago River has been in the public eye in the past few weeks, a spotlight it too rarely enjoys. First, the Obama Adminstration came down on the side of disinfection; Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley subsequently reiterated his ongoing support enhanced treatment and a cleaner river. Asian carp…
MPC in Springfield: 2010 legislative update-
- MPC has some unfinished legislative business in Springfield, which we’ll continue to work on this summer in anticipation of the fall veto session and next spring’s new General Assembly. But there was tangible progress, despite the state’s fiscal free-fall. Here’s a snapshot…
Earth Week a reminder of the true meaning of sustainability-
- Sustainability advocates have a lot in common with holistic doctors. We understand that the “leg bone’s connected to the knee bone,” so to speak, and that diagnosing any problem requires evaluating the entire system. Much like our bodies, our communities are comprised of…
MPC in Springfield: Solutions for a strong economy-
- Good policy doesn’t have to be expensive – in fact, it can lead to cost savings – and MPC’s 2010 Springfield legislative agenda is proof. This session, MPC is advocating for several bills that would improve state policies related to water supply planning, pedestrian safety,…
More related articles »
Multimedia
- Frank Benichou explains Veolia's new Water Impact Index
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- Watch this video to hear Frank Benichou, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer at Veolia Water North America, explain Veolia's new Water Impact Index. The Water Impact Index moves beyond the basic volumetric assessment of water use to incorporate energy consumption, carbon emission,…
- Frank Benichou: The difference between water footprints and carbon footprints
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- Watch this video to hear Frank Benichou, Executive Vice President and Chief Technical Officer at Veolia Water North America, explain why it is important to understand the local impact of water use.
Watch the first video in this series, in which Benichou explains Veolia's new Water Impact Index,…
- Michael Webber on the energy-water nexus
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- Metropolitan Planning Council and Openlands hosted a roundtable on Aug. 3, 2010, focused on the connections between energy and water use. This was the second event in our summer series, "Choosing our Water Future," and topics explored included:
* The energy demands of water systems, and the water…
Before the Wells Run Dry: Ensuring Sustainable Water Supplies for Illinois-
- Publication
- (4 MB)
- November 19, 2009
- This report recommends coordinated planning and implementation strategies that will capitalize on the work of the pilot regional planning groups, integrate regional plans with state and local practices, and ensure the long-term sustainability and efficient use of our finite, fragile water…
- Executive Summary
Before the Wells Run Dry: Ensuring Sustainable Water Supplies for Illinois
-
- Publication
- (1 MB)
- November 19, 2009
- This report recommends coordinated planning and implementation strategies that will capitalize on the work of the pilot regional planning groups, integrate regional plans with state and local practices, and ensure the long-term sustainability and efficient use of our finite, fragile water…
More related multimedia »
Before the Wells Run Dry
(2009) – Presents a series of recommendations for how Illinois can support and continue the existing regional water supply planning groups, reform state policies and programs to support regional water supply planning throughout Illinois, increase the efficiency of investment in water-related infrastructure, and ultimately reward local management that conserves shared water resources.
Troubled Waters
(2005) – Urged the State of Illinois to establish a statewide framework for regional supply planning, based on data, integrated management of surface water and groundwater, and inclusion of water demand analysis in land use planning.
Changing Course
(2003) – Examined the relationship between development practices and water quality and quantity in a 12-county northeastern Illinois region.
Collaborators
Openlands
Lenore Beyer-Clow, Policy Director
Funders
The Field Foundation of Illinois Harris Bank
Illinois American Water
The Seabury Foundation
