Major Regional Pipeline Will Secure Long Term Water Supply For Growing Chicagoland Communities

In mid‑2025, Chicago, partnering with the Grand Prairie Water Commission and nearby suburbs, broke ground on a transformative water infrastructure project: a 60‑mile water transmission line system to connect more communities to Lake Michigan’s water.

The project is known as the Alternative Water Source Program, and it includes the construction of over 60 miles of new pipeline, three new pump stations, storage facilities and delivery infrastructure. Upon its completion in 2030, it is expected to serve over 250,000 citizens in the Joliet and the surrounding municipalities.

Pipeline Construction Map from the Grand Prairie Water Commission - Construction | GPWC

This pipeline is essential to meet the demand of six suburban communities in the Grand Prairie Water Commission, which include, Channahon, Crest Hill, Joliet, Minooka, Romeoville and Shorewood. These communities currently source their water from a deep groundwater aquifer. The aquifer is rapidly depleting, and it is projected that it will not be able to meet the maximum-day demand by 2030. Without any action, this region would become vulnerable to water shortage.

Under the 100-year agreement between Chicago and the Grand Prairie water Commission, Joliet and the surrounding member communities will purchase treated Lake Michigan water from Chicago starting around 2030.

Shifting the water source away from a stressed aquifer offers a sustainable way to provide drinking water to these communities. The project not only solves the imminent risk of aquifer depletion but also creates the capacity needed to support future growth in these areas.

Looking ahead, thinking about water use and efficiency is more important than ever before. Industrial users currently account for about 10% of Joliet's water supply. With the rise of AI and the water required by data centers, it is essential to keep water conservation and sustainable engineering practices at the center of public planning and infrastructure decisions.

The new pipeline is critical to ensuring a reliable source of drinking water for residents across these communities, but industrial practices must be managed responsibly to prevent overuse and ensure that this shared Great Lakes resource remains secure and sustainable for generations to come.

SDG 6: Linking Local to Global 

Construction of the water transmission line is local example of progress towards UN Sustainable Development Goal 6: Clean Water and Sanitation. Some specific indicators and targets involved are:

Indicator 6.1.1 The proportion of the population using safely managed drinking water services

The pipeline will provide a reliable source of drinking water to communities facing a depleting aquifer. This will increase the amount of people with secure long-term access to clean drinking water.

Target 6.5 Implement integrated water resources management at all levels

The partnership of the 6 communities under the Grand Water Prairie Commission with the City of Chicago is an example of advancement towards target 6.5 and particularly towards indicator 6.5.1 which is measured by the "degree of integrated water resources management." The project is a coordinated effort and involves many stakeholders in the decision-making process.

Indicator 6.b.1 The proportion of local administrative unites with established and operational policies and procedures for the participation of local communities in water and sanitation management.

The communities formed a commission and pursued a long-term agreement with the City of Chicago which suggests local municipality involvement in the planning and management of this project.

This infrastructure investment is a strong example of local-regional action that reflects the targets UN global goals for sustainable water development. The project's development and partnerships are strong indicators that communities are considering many key aspects of SDG 6: access, sustainability, and governance.