Lake Michigan water project officially underway in Lake Zurich
After years of discussion, study and planning, a $154 million project to bring Lake Michigan water to Lake Zurich is about to get underway.
A ceremonial groundbreaking last week marked the beginning of construction for the $23 million Oakwood pump station and a 1 million-gallon water storage reservoir on village-owned land at the northeast corner of Midlothian and Oakwood roads.
The Oakwood facilities as the delivery point and a booster station in the Mundelein area represent the first phase of construction to carry Lake Michigan water to Lake Zurich.
Officials with the village, Central Lake County Joint Action Water Agency, which will be supplying the water, and others were on hand for what has been described as a historical project.
“This is the first celebration. The next one will be on the day you switch over to Lake Michigan water,” said Dominic Marturano, Lindenhurst mayor and chair of the agency's board of directors.
Lindenhurst switched to Lake Michigan water in 2017.
Transitioning from deep wells to Lake Michigan water has been analyzed and discussed in Lake Zurich since at least 2011 when the village was granted a conditional Lake Michigan supply allocation from the state.
Costs associated with removing radium and barium, liability for the removed material and the uncertainty of the deep well aquifer’s long-term viability led Lake Zurich officials to consider switching to Lake Michigan water.
The village more than four years ago issued a formal letter of intent to CLCJAWA asking to explore further steps to replace five groundwater wells as the village's primary water source.
Mayor Tom Poynton thanked the community, village board and others “for believing in this project and supporting the vision of securing a reliable, sustainable Lake Michigan water supply for future generations.”
“This project represents an investment not just in infrastructure but in the future of our community,” he said.
The construction of both stations will continue over the next two years. The Lake Zurich facilities are designed to resemble similar commercial buildings in the neighboring Lake Zurich industrial park and will include a walking path and areas for public use on the northern end of the property.
Water pipe installation and internal Lake Zurich improvements are scheduled to begin in 2027. Lake Michigan water is expected to flow from taps in December 2028.
“Generational sustainability is what this project stands for and, I'm proud to be part of the team to be able to provide my hometown with that opportunity,” said Mike Brown, public works director.
mzawislak@dailyherald.com