City Conduction Virtual Outreach On Lake Michigan Water Source

Press release from the City of Joliet:

City of Joliet staff have been working with their consultants on evaluating two Lake Michigan sources to supply the City with water in the future. They are now ready to present these results to the public before the City Council makes their decision in January 2021.

The public has the opportunity to participate in live virtual meetings and an online virtual event. There will be two live virtual meetings that will include the same presentation but allow the public alternate days and times to participate. The first event will be held on Wednesday, December 2nd at 1:00 PM and the second will be held on Thursday, December 3rd at 6:30 PM. Those wishing to participate in the live virtual meeting can do so by registering at www.RethinkWaterJoliet.org.

The online virtual event will run from Monday, November 30th until Monday, December 14th. This option gives everyone the opportunity to participate at their convenience. The event will be hosted on the program website at www.RethinkWaterJoliet.org and will include a brief video, displays to view and a newsletter that can be downloaded to print.

The City is interested in hearing from the public. “This is one of the biggest decisions facing the City,” said Mayor O’Dekirk. “As your elected voice, we need to hear your thoughts as the Council moves forward with a selection of a water source.” Participants at both live virtual events will have the opportunity to comment during the event. Comments will also be accepted at the online virtual event, through email to rethinkwater@joliet.gov or by calling 815-724-4220. All comments will be provided to the City Council for consideration in making their decision.

Faced with a water supply that will no longer be sustainable by 2030, the City of Joliet launched a study of alternative sources of water in August 2018. In January 2020, the City Council selected Lake Michigan as the preferred source and directed staff to evaluate two alternatives – purchasing water from the Chicago Department of Water Management or constructing a new intake in Indiana.

Residents and businesses are encouraged to learn more about the alternative water source program at www.RethinkWaterJoliet.org, or by following the initiative through Facebook and Twitter. Visitors to the website can also sign-up for e-mail updates for the latest news on the initiative.

Jim Hock

Interim City Manager

This press release was produced by the City of Joliet. The views expressed here are the author’s own.