Water Crisis Averted as New Source Study Unveiled

In a recent government meeting, officials discussed a preliminary report on water system resiliency for the communities of Arthur, Woods, Glenshire, and Forest Lake, as well as the Countryside Lake water system. The study, conducted by civil engineering firm Clark Peet, was prompted by significant service interruptions experienced in the summer of 2022 and July 2023, which left residents under boil orders due to water outages.

Consultant Ben Metzler presented findings that highlighted the need for improved water system infrastructure, particularly the establishment of interconnections between existing systems and the addition of storage capabilities. Currently, the Forest Lake and Glenshire systems operate independently, relying on Aqua Illinois for water supply without any storage, making them vulnerable to service disruptions.

Key recommendations from the study include creating an interconnection between the Forest Lake and Hawthorne Woods systems to enhance resiliency during outages. Additionally, the report suggests constructing a 121,000-gallon storage tank to provide backup water supply during emergencies. The study also explored the feasibility of connecting these systems to Countryside Lake, which has its own well system, as a potential alternative water source.

The report emphasizes that these improvements are essential regardless of the water source, whether it be Aqua's supply, well water, or Lake Michigan water. The meeting concluded with a commitment to further evaluate the proposed solutions and their associated costs, with no immediate action required from the committee. The findings underscore the importance of proactive measures to ensure reliable water service for the affected communities.