‘They’ve been waiting to make the switch’: Lake Michigan to replace well water near Buffalo Grove
Water quality for residents is expected to improve in an unincorporated area of Lake County near Buffalo Grove when wells are replaced by Lake Michigan as the main source.
The Lake County Board this week approved a $2.2 million contract with Campanella & Sons Inc. of Wadsworth to connect the Pekara system to Lake Michigan water, which would be provided by Buffalo Grove via the Northwest Water Commission.
The county-operated system serving the Pekara and Horatio Gardens neighborhoods, south of Aptakisic Road between Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and Weiland Road, was built more than 50 years ago. Although the well water meets all Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requirements, residents have had concerns with taste, smell and hardness.
“The residents in this community have been strongly desirous of this change for quite awhile,” said Austin McFarlane, county public works director. “I applaud their patience with us.”
There are about 1,230 users/connections in the Pekara system, where multiple wells provide water to a reservoir and distribution network. Work is expected to start in July or August and be compete in spring 2025 -- including the water changeover.
A Nov. 6 community meeting explaining the project was well-attended, according to Lake County Board member Marah Altenberg, whose district includes the area.
She said switching to Lake Michigan was the top issue in those neighborhoods when campaigning two years ago.
“Some people have lived in these places a decade or two, and they’re very excited,” she added. “They’ve been waiting to make the switch.”
According to the county, Lake Michigan water is a more reliable source than groundwater wells, has a lower concentration of minerals, reduces wear on appliances and filtration systems, eliminates the need for water softeners and reduces mineral buildup on taps and faucets.
Better quality will come at a price. Users will be paying significantly more for Lake Michigan water due to the increased cost of water delivery, although they will not be charged connection fees or special service area taxes, according to the county.
Costs increase based on the amount of water used as outlined in three tiers starting with 1,000 to 2,000 gallons per month and up to 7,000 or more gallons per month.
The price would nearly quintuple for those in Tier 1. Costs in tiers 2 and 3 would increase about 80% and 75%, respectively. Estimates were based on 2023 rates and will be subject to change by the time the project is complete, according to the project website.
“I feel they’re paying to get the good quality water they’ve been wanting,” Altenberg said.
The county designated $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the Pekara system and budgeted for the difference.