Lake County hires CDM Smith for corrosion control study as Pacara system prepares to switch to Lake Michigan water

The Lake County Public Works and Transportation Committee on July 30 authorized an engineering services agreement with CDM Smith, Inc. of Chicago, Illinois, in the amount of $73,640 to perform a corrosion control evaluation for the Pacara Water System.

Public Works Director Austin McFarland said the requirement arises from U.S. Environmental Protection Agency guidance that systems planning a change in water source must evaluate corrosion control to avoid unintended increases in lead levels in drinking water — a response to lessons from the Flint, Michigan crisis. McFarland said Pacara (the transcript used "Pacara" and similar spellings) is transitioning from well water to Lake Michigan water; the corrosion control evaluation will focus particularly on homes built before 1978 that are more likely to have lead‑containing plumbing and lead solder.

McFarland said CDM Smith has expertise in this analysis; the county expects the evaluation to take about two months to complete, after which the county will submit the results to the relevant regulators as part of its water‑source change process. Member Hewitt moved and Member Hunter seconded the resolution; the motion carried.

Committee discussion framed the work as a near‑term compliance step needed before advancing the water‑supply change. No additional conditions or amendments were placed on the agreement during the committee meeting.