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1. What improvements will be made to the water system with joining the Grand Prairie Water Commission (GPWC)?

Joining the GPWC requires us to have additional storage capacity/tanks, as well as additional water mains in the ground to distribute water across town.

2. How is water allocated with the Grand Prairie Water Commission? Can that allocation amount be adjusted over time, or is it a limited amount?

The Illinois Department of Natural Resources regulates water allocation. Allocation is based on projected average daily demands, and increases in demand are factored in. The allocation amounts would be reviewed every 10 years to ensure communities are receiving the appropriate water amounts and applicable increases. Allocation can be adjusted to account for growth as well.

3. In the event of a disruption in service from the Grand Prairie Water Commission, would the Village be able to use its existing wells for a water source?

Yes, the Village will retain and maintain its existing wells which can be used in the event of an emergency. Additional water storage requirements will allow us to keep Lake Michigan water reserves in the event of a disruption of service.

4. What is the cost of joining the Grand Prairie Water Commission?

The cost to join the Grand Prairie Water Commission and all improvements necessary and use Lake Michigan water is approximately $75.6 million (in 2020 dollars).

5. What treatment and/or maintenance will the Village need to do on water from Lake Michigan?

Lake Michigan water is naturally a relatively clean source of drinking water. After treatment by the City of Chicago and delivery to the commission members, commission members will be responsible for some additional minor chemical treatment of the water, as well as the maintenance of their internal infrastructure system and improvements.

6. Is there a possibility that experts are wrong on the timeline for the aquifers to be depleted?

The ability to analyze groundwater data and depletion rates is very advanced. The predictions by the experts at the Illinois State Water Survey are considered very accurate. 

7. What will happen to the homes that are currently on wells?

Homes that are on existing wells will remain on wells as is presently the case within the Village. Should a resident currently on a well wish to connect to the Village water system, now or in the future, connection procedures and fees are found in our municipal codes at www.channahon.org. Inquiries regarding the availability of Village water and connection to the Village water system can also be addressed by calling the Public Works Department at 815-467-6644.

8. When will we begin receiving Lake Michigan water? When will residents notice a change in their water rates?

January 1, 2030 is the anticipated date for delivery and use of Lake Michigan water. The water rate change schedule is still yet to be determined and should be finalized over the next year. Conceptual water rates comparing water source options studied can found via the attached link at www.channahon.org.

9. What other advantages of using Lake Michigan as a water source are there?

One additional advantage of Lake Michigan over our existing groundwater supply is that Lake Michigan water is naturally at a hardness level most people find unnecessary to treat with a water softener. This eliminates the initial cost of a water softener and the continuing expense of salt for use in the softener. Lake Michigan water is also much easier on plumbing fixtures than softened water.