LaSalle County committee seeks expert guidance on water study before amending zoning for data centers

Committee members told staff they need expert guidance on groundwater availability and demand before drafting zoning changes related to data centers.

Members reviewed earlier work, including a 2016 county report and Phase 3 of a Tri‑County Regional Planning Commission water‑supply assessment. One committee member said he reached out to study authors and to Amy Russell in Springfield about additional USGS or State Water Survey resources but learned capacity is limited. A committee member noted the Tri‑County Phase 3 work "was supposed to have some more in‑depth study" but cautioned timelines could be several years.

Members suggested short‑term options: arrange an expert briefing (possible contacts mentioned include Kirkindall and Mike Phillips), request Tri‑County materials to see if they answer county questions, or commission a narrower county study focused on projected data‑center water draws and scenarios. The committee asked staff to contact the Tri‑County regional planning agency and potential experts and to seek someone who can present feasible next steps at the next meeting.

The committee emphasized that the aquifer crosses county lines and that municipal actions (incorporation decisions) can affect where data centers locate; members noted the importance of a clear study scope to avoid duplicating existing regional work. Staff reported there may be budget for professional services, and the committee agreed to attempt to secure a subject‑matter speaker for the next meeting to guide whether to join regional efforts or pursue a county study.