Lake County Government: $2.7M Water Project In Buffalo Grove Area Nears Completion

Press release from the Lake County Government:

Pekara Water System - Lake Michigan Water Connection (ARPA Funded)

Project Location: An area south of Aptakisic Road between IL Route 21/Milwaukee Avenue and Weiland Road in the Buffalo Grove area. View the project map.

Project Description: The Lake County Board has approved a contract to construct an interconnection to bring Lake Michigan drinking water to the Pekara, Inverrary, and Horatio Gardens neighborhoods. The project is 75 percent complete and scheduled to be completed by next spring.

Some residents may experience short-term water service disruptions during construction. Affected customers will receive notice prior to water shutoffs. Residents may observe construction activities, truck traffic, utility locate spray paint and flags, and periodic lane closures on Pauline Avenue. View the project timeline.

Why is a new water source needed?

While the current well water system meets all Illinois EPA requirements, the community has expressed concerns over water aesthetics, such as taste, smell, and hardness. Wells are not sustainable long-term and can be costly to upgrade. LCPW is working to bring Lake Michigan Water to the Pekara and Horatio Gardens neighborhoods, which will provide a high-quality water source to the community. Lake Michigan Water is used in many other water systems throughout Lake County.

About Lake Michigan Water

Lake County and Buffalo Grove finalized a 20-year agreement that would provide Lake Michigan Water from the Village sourced via the Northwest Water Commission. Lake Michigan Water provides the following benefits:

• Reliable water source that eliminates the concern of groundwater wells
• Aesthetically pleasing
  • Lower concentration of minerals (i.e., Sodium, Iron)
  • Helps eliminate wear on appliances and filtration systems
  • Eliminates the need for water softeners
  • Reduces build-up on taps/faucets
• Continues to meet all Illinois EPA (IEPA) and USEPA regulatory requirements

Cost Breakdown

The projected total cost of the project is $2.7 million. The County Board has allocated $1.1 million in ARPA funds toward this project and Lake County will fund the additional construction cost.

• As a result of switching to a new water source, customers will see an increase in their water rate due to the increased cost of water delivery. This increase varies depending on how much water customers use.
• Due to all construction costs being funded by ARPA and other County resources, customers will not be charged the following:
  • Connection Fees
  • Special Service Area Taxes

Read the full release here

This press release was produced by the Lake County Government. The views expressed here are the author’s own.