Water shortages loom on the horizon for the Chicago area unless businesses and government agencies plan effectively, the Chicago Metropolitan Agency for Planning (CMAP) says in a report.
Demand for water in 11 counties of northeastern Illinois could increase as much as 64 percent by mid-century, creating potentially serious shortages, according to the report, which was funded by the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR).
The region’s economy and well being depend on the availability of water, the report noted. Lake Michigan is one of the world’s largest fresh water resources, but population forecasts indicated parts of the region may suffer deficits in coming years.
The report includes information on an 11-county deep bedrock aquifer and the Fox River Basin’s shallow bedrock aquifer. (An aquifer is a body of geologic material that can supply useful quantities of groundwater to natural springs and water wells.)
With this report northeastern Illinois now has a clear picture showing implications of our water consumption trends, said CMAP executive director Randy Blankenhorn.
“To ensure an adequate supply for residential, commercial and residential needs, we must start now to plan better and conserve more,” he said.
Dispatches from Chicago's south side.
Monday, September 8, 2008
Water demand could increase 64 percent by 2050
From the Business Ledger:
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