Design and Construction Report staff
A major infrastructure project aimed at delivering treated Lake Michigan water to six southwest suburban communities officially broke ground Monday, marking a significant step in securing long-term water reliability for about a quarter-million residents.
Local and federal officials gathered at the Southwest Pumping Station in Chicago’s Scottsdale neighborhood to celebrate the start of construction on the Grand Prairie Water Commission’s regional water delivery system. The commission is made up of the cities of Joliet and Crest Hill and the villages of Channahon, Minooka, Shorewood, and Romeoville.
The initiative was formed in response to regional water supply challenges. Studies show the deep aquifers that currently supply these communities are expected to become insufficient by 2030.
“Today, there is a reason to celebrate—not only for ensuring clean, safe, reliable drinking water for our communities and the region, but also the cross-jurisdictional coordination that has led us to this moment,” said Shorewood Mayor Clarence “CC” DeBold, who chairs the Grand Prairie Water Commission.
Established in June 2024 under the Illinois Regional Water Commissions Act, the Grand Prairie Water Commission is an independent legal entity governed by a Board of Commissioners—each member community has equal representation through appointed commissioners and alternates. The commission also includes a Technical Advisory Committee to assist with system planning and implementation.
Each member municipality passed an ordinance to join the commission, approved an intergovernmental agreement, and authorized a long-term water supply agreement. The commission is responsible for designing, constructing, owning, and maintaining the entire transmission system between Chicago and the communities it serves.
Construction includes a 4-million-gallon storage facility and two 55-million-gallon-per-day pumping stations in Chicago, along with 60 miles of transmission mains, three total pumping stations, and three water storage tanks. Construction is expected to continue through 2029, with water service set to begin in 2030.
The $1.5 billion project is also expected to bring long-term revenue to Chicago. Under a 100-year agreement, Chicago will supply treated water to the commission, which will become the second-largest customer in the city’s water system. The deal is projected to generate $30 million annually for the city’s Department of Water Management.
While the project aims to deliver a high-quality, cost-effective water supply for decades to come, leaders acknowledged that water bills in member communities are likely to rise.
“Is there gonna be an impact? Yes, but each municipality is managing that within their own realm,” DeBold said. “Nobody wants to see their residents’ water bills get absurd and triple and quadruple.” He added that Shorewood residents currently pay about $100 per month for water, sewer, and trash, and he hopes to limit any increase to no more than double that figure.
Once operational, the system will provide a joint waterworks solution using a common, sustainable source—Lake Michigan—to meet the present and future needs of all six communities.
