The DuPage Water Commission and the communities of Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville held a groundbreaking ceremony for the WaterLink Project on June 10 at Oswego East High School. This nearly $400 million project will bring Lake Michigan water to the residents, businesses, and schools in these communities.

Project Details

The 30-mile transmission main extension will move all three communities off the Ironton-Galesville deep sandstone aquifer, a regional source that is being withdrawn twice as fast as it is naturally replenished. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028.

According to Jim Zay, chairman of the DuPage Water Commission, “WaterLink is the result of years of negotiation, planning, and trust among local governments who recognized water is a shared resource and the most responsible answer is a regional one.”

Matt Brolley, village president of the Village of Montgomery, stated, “Today’s groundbreaking is proof that long-range planning, regional partnership, and disciplined stewardship can solve problems before they become crises.”

Benefits and Challenges

The project will provide a sustainable, long-term drinking water supply for the growing communities of Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville. However, it also faces logistical and technical challenges as it is built across multiple counties and municipal jurisdictions.

WaterLink is funded through WIFIA loans from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as financing from the Illinois State Revolving Fund and local general obligation bonds. Each municipality will continue to bill residents directly.

Original reporting: Positively Naperville (Aurora area) — read the source article.