Illinois county leaders say fresh water supply an increasing concern

As freshwater resources dwindle, one Illinois county faces a double-whammy of immense proportions: 140,000 more people and not enough water to go around. The watchword? Conserve.

According to excerpts from the story:

The availability of pure, fresh water will become of increasing concern as the county continues to grow during the next two decades, according to a new report issued Wednesday by Lake County planning officials at a countywide Water Supply Forum.

“The State of Lake County’s Water Supply,” an 88-page report which can be reviewed in its entirety on the county’s Web site (www.lakecountyil.gov/savewater) outlines the need for a coordinated planning effort on the part of state, regional, county and local governments in working as partners to avoid dire future water shortages.

Seventy percent of Lake County’s current population of roughly 705,000 is using drinking water from Lake Michigan.

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