County water supply on candidates' radar

Candidates for the Kane County Board in District 24 seat say water could become a scarce commodity as the county continues to be developed.

Republican challenger Kay Teeter and Democratic incumbent Hollie Kissane say an oversight body that reaches beyond county lines would ensure safe, clean water for future generations.

Teeter, a member of the Kane County Stormwater Management Commission, says one of the main flaws of the current system is that it allows unrestricted drilling with a permit. Teeter suggested a regional water authority.

"Anyone with a permit can drill a hole anywhere without any oversight on responsible use," said Teeter, a Carpentersville trustee. "Setting up a water authority similar to the Stormwater Management Commission will make sure water resources are protected and aren't being dried up."

Kissane - a Democrat seeking her second term on the county board - also said villages, cities and counties must cooperate to preserve water for everyone.

"I don't think we can separate on this," Kissane said. "If all counties had worked together on a lot of areas, I think we would be a lot further than we are today."

Kissane also said keeping open space would preserve future water supplies.

"Purchasing open land that has aquifers is a way to protect our water," Kissane said. "Open space serves as a natural recharge area for our aquifers, and the land will not be developed."

The water authority would ensure those acquifers are not being taxed, Teeter said.

"You need to be cognizant of where you are drilling, you have to be conscious that you are not hitting an acquifer that is already in use," Teeter said. "There needs to be a way to track that better."