Lake County Expands Water Capacity With New White Deer Run Reservoir

LAKE COUNTY, IL — The Lake County Department of Public Works recently completed construction of the new White Deer Run Reservoir in Vernon Hills, a $7.5 million investment that will enhance water reliability and emergency preparedness for the Vernon Hills Water System, officials said.

Local officials marked the occasion with a ribbon cutting ceremony Wednesday, celebrating the successful completion of nearly two years of construction, according to a news release from Lake County.

The reservoir provides two million gallons of additional storage capacity, ensuring the system can meet peak daily demand and help to maintain service during emergencies. It supports approximately 33,000 residents and businesses in the greater Vernon Hills area, as well as customers in unincorporated Libertyville Township, Knollwood, Rondout, Mettawa and portions of Long Grove, according to county officials.

In 2021, Lake County secured the reservoir site through an intergovernmental agreement with the Village of Mundelein and established an easement agreement with the villages of Vernon Hills and Mundelein to provide facility access.

The project was funded entirely through the Lake County Public Works Capital Improvement Program (CIP), which is self-sustaining and supported by user fees. Through the CIP, LCPW continues to preserve critical water and wastewater infrastructure while modernizing its systems to meet community needs.

Current initiatives include replacing aging pipes more than 70 years old, expanding water storage capacity through projects like the White Deer Run Reservoir and Gages Lake Water Tower and connecting more communities to Lake Michigan water, according to a news release. Together, these efforts build a stronger, more resilient water system that will serve LCPW customers for decades to come.