WITH THE TURN OF A VALVE, LAKE MICHIGAN WATER FLOWS INTO DUPAGE COUNTY

WHEATON ― With the turn of a valve on Wednesday, thousands of DuPage County households began receiving Lake Michigan water, which replaces the well water they had previously been receiving.  The switch was part of the DuPage County Public Works Department’s conversion of the water system that serves customers of the Southeast Regional Water Facility (SERWF).

“The utilization of Lake Michigan water will offer many benefits to both current customers, as well as other residents not yet connected to a public water supply system,” said DuPage County Board Chairman Robert J. Schillerstrom.  “The Lake Michigan water supply will provide a water source that is more reliable and higher quality than well water, a renewable resource, and safe from potential groundwater contamination zones.”

Schillerstrom says it is important to note that through several separate negotiated agreements, unincorporated residents will not be required to become annexed as part of this water conversion.  

“I also want to thank Board Members Tom Bennington, Michael McMahon and Kyle Gilgis for all of their hard work on this project,” said Schillerstrom.   “It is through their leadership that we gather today to mark this historic event.”

With the conversion of the entire SERWF system to Lake Michigan water, customers will begin to experience improvements to the quality of their water.  Most customers will notice a slight increase in the water pressure at their fixtures.  In addition, Lake Michigan water has half the hardness of the previously supplied well water, which will decrease or eliminate the need for water softening. 

As part of this water system upgrade DuPage County customers that are incorporated Darien residents will begin receiving their water service from the City of Darien.  

Tom Bennington (District 3), Chairman of the County’s Public Works Committee, notes it was a collaborative effort that made the water conversion a reality.

"I want to thank the Village of Darien for their hard work and leadership on this important issue” said Bennington.  “By working together, we are ensuring residents have access to clean, safe water.”

During this transition, the County may experience a higher than normal increase in the number of water main breaks.  This is due to the variation in water temperature of well water compared to Lake Michigan water.   Water main breaks will subside to average levels as the water system adjusts to the changes in temperatures and pressures.  In addition, due to the lower water temperatures, it is very important that residents ensure their hoses are disconnected from outside faucets to prevent pipe freezing.

During this transition, or at any future time, if residents experience a loss of service or notice a water main break, they should contact the Public Works Department at their 24-hour emergency contact number, which is 630-985-7400.

To learn more about Lake Michigan water, please visit the DuPage Water Commission’s website at www.dpwc.org.

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