community water supply drought report

July 20, 2005

 

Generally conditions remain unchanged from the July 13, 2005 report.  Scattered precipitation in the Central and Southern portions of the state has somewhat stabilized reservoir levels.  Ground and surface sources of water are reported to be adequate.  However, a number of community water supplies are still encouraging water conservation in an attempt to decrease potable water production.  The primary concern for community water supply systems remains their ability to meet the demands consumers are placing on distribution systems.  The principle problem continues to be outside the home and business water consumption (e.g., lawn watering).

 

Rockford Region

No surface water issues noted.

IL American Water Co-Streator (IL0995030):  This community water supply continues to have over a 90 day supply if they get 0 recharge from the Vermillion River. They have installed a 1 foot extension on top of the dam to increase storage in the river. No watering restriction or conservation activity is anticipated.

 

Groundwater system issues:   

Utilities Inc.-Galena Territory (IL0855050):  This community is continuing watering restrictions in the hope of averting a potential water shortage in sections of the distribution system.  The potential shortage is due to decreasing well yield and a new well permit has been issued by the Illinois EPA (rush permit review was received, not an emergency permit).  A contractor for this new well has been notified to schedule drilling once a permit is issued.

 

Loves Park (IL2010150):  Construction of an inter-zone booster stations will be completed and is expected to improve distribution constraints. Water use is reported to have been reduced (unspecified amount).

 

North Park (IL2015500):  The system is reporting a shortage in the Northwest service area due to distribution system restrictions. Voluntary lawn watering restrictions remain in place.  An Illinois EPA permit has been issued for a looping project that should reduce distribution restrictions.  The water supply is continuing an even odd watering advisory. No pressure problems are occurring, however watering advisory signs will stay up until adequate rains or cooler temperatures prevail.

 

Port Byron (IL1610550):  This community water supply experiences well interference when they operate their wells simultaneously thereby reducing yields.  Further exacerbation of the yield problem may be occurring as a result of reduction of available porosity and permeability of the aquifer near the wells.  The CWS is proposing acidizing the well(s).  In addition, a permit has issued by the Illinois EPA in February of 2003 for a third well (over 2 years ago).  However, a good well location has not been found. 

 

Rockton (IL2010350): Rockton water supply continues to operate with water use restrictions in effect (even/odd day watering). The CWS is running at 95% capacity.

 

Loves Park (IL2010150): The community has asked resident to reduce their water consumption.  Production remains at approximately 90% of capacity. Loves Park is supplementing their pumpage by purchasing water from North Park Public Water District (the water being sold is not impacting the North Park shortage area).

 

Amboy (IL1030050): The community has asked resident to reduce their water consumption.  One well is currently out of service for maintenance.  The production shortfall is not critical at this time.

 

ELGIN REGION

Generally, community water supplies are reporting significant increases in pumpage (approaching double normal usage).  Essentially, all surface water sources remain adequate. 

 

Aurora (IL0894070): The community is not experiencing water quantity issues because of their ability to augment their source water with groundwater (approximately 55 percent groundwater is being used and may increase another 5 percent).  Currently, groundwater is being used because surface water quality (not quantity) has been somewhat diminished. 

Surface water quality requires additional coagulant be added to clarify the water.  River depth at the intake is normally 8 feet, but is now at about 4.2 feet.  Voluntary water conservation measures are being encouraged.

 

Elgin (IL0894380):  The community water supply remains adequate.  As previously reported, the dam near Algonquin was lowered and flows are adequate to supply the raw water demand at this time.  Wells are available to supplement raw water demands.  Conservation measures are being encouraged.

 

Aqua Illinois-Kankakee (IL0915030):  This community water supply source is adequate. 

 

Joliet (IL1970450): Water use restrictions in Joliet continue to be in effect.

 

CHAMPAIGN REGION

Surface Water Report-All surface water supplies in the Champaign Region continue to have reservoir levels at or above normal for this time of year.  Based on the last available reported levels and the rainfall within the Region reservoirs are all currently in good shape. 

 

Bloomington (IL#1130200): Bloomington is updating their drought contingency plan and no part of the plan has been implemented.  Currently, Lake Evergreen is 1.1 feet below overflow and Lake Bloomington is 0.9 feet below overflow.  This is normal for this time of year.  Lake Bloomington is 2.02 feet below the top of spillway.  Lake Evergreen is 1.2 feet below the top of spillway.  Water is being removed exclusively from Lake Bloomington at this time.  Pumpage has dropped from more than 20 MGD to 15.5 MGD since last report due to some rainfall.  No water restrictions in place. 

 

Decatur (IL#1150150): Decatur has a current drought contingency plan.  To date, the elements of this plan have not been implemented.  Currently, Lake Decatur is 0.2 feet below overflow.  Present Lake elevation is 614.30 feet (This is the normal summer pool).  No water is being released from the dam (normal for this time of year).  Meeting and measures have been assessed  regarding future steps should the drought persist. The City is preparing to insure the DeWitt well field is ready to be used. 

 

Paris (IL#0450300): Paris does not have an official drought contingency plan.  Currently, the Twin Lakes Reservoir is at flat pool (normal for this time of year).  The West Lake is full.  The East Lake is seven inches below top of spillway (at or above normal for this time of year).  The community has not taken actions to implement water use restrictions.

 

Groundwater Report

No reports have been received of increase in bulk water sales, reduced storage volumes, or reduction in source water quantity.

 

SPRINGFIELD REGION

Surface Water Report

Generally, reservoirs in the Springfield Region remain at/near full. 

 

Canton  (IL0570250): Operator indicated that lake can go to 564.2 ft. before restrictions are put into place.  Two emergency wells are available to supplement the lake during extreme drought conditions.  Drought ordinance #1231 is on the books that to describe various conservations actions for various lake levels.  No significant changes in usage are projected.

 

Pittsfield  (IL1490750): The City has no contingency plans in place to address drought issues and no significant changes in usage are projected.  Historically, the reservoir can go to levels approximately 5-6 ft. below full pool before drought concerns arise.

 

Springfield  (IL1671200): Springfield is experiencing typical seasonal increases in usage, as expected.  The community has a drought ordinance is in place.  Currently, CWLP continues to pump as much water into the Lake from the South Fork of the Sangamon River as available.  They are considering sending decant water from their ash ponds into the Lake in accordance with their NPDES permit, but have not yet done so (current boron levels in the discharge are too high).

 

New Berlin  (IL1670800): The Village does have a drought ordinance in place.  Mandatory conservation measures have been imposed during past drought conditions, but are not necessary at this time.  Water is pumped from Spring Creek to the side-channel reservoir. 

 

Vermont  (IL0570950): The Village does no have drought contingency plans.  No back-up wells are available and no interconnection exists for emergency purposes.  Only seasonal increases in usage are expected.

 

Staunton  (IL1171050): No significant increases in usage are projected.  Voluntary and mandatory restrictions have bee imposed in the past to address drought conditions, however are not necessary at this time.  Cooperation with these restrictions has been successful in drastically reducing water usage in the past.  Levels typical or higher than normal for this time of year. 

 

Otter Lake Water Commission  (IL1175200):  Given the geographical size of the service area, the projected service population for the year 2008 is 24,000, an increase of approximately 40%.  Bob Dill indicated that the current lake level is actually higher than typically seen during this time of year due to a recent 3-inch rain.  Al was not aware of drought ordinances adopted by the municipalities served by the Commission.

 

Litchfield  (IL1350400): Lake level is higher than usual for the season.  The City of Litchfield has conservation plans included in the ordinances.  Given the commercial and industrial expansion, increased usage is expected.  However, projected increases in usage are unavailable.  A second reservoir, Lake Litchfield (80 MG), is available as a secondary source if needed.  Lake Litchfield is near capacity at this time.

 

Carlinville  (IL1170150): Loveless Lake (582 MG) is used as a secondary source.  Overflow elevation for Loveless Lake was not known by Mr. Shaw.  Currently both lakes are near capacity.  No significant increases in usage are projected.  Voluntary restrictions have been effective during past drought problems, but are not necessary at this time.

 

Blandinsville  (IL1090100): Water can be pumpt to the reservoir from LaHarpe Creek.  Plans are to fill the reservoir to capacity.  No contingency plans or ordinances are in place to address drought issues.

 

Hillsboro  (IL1350300): Hillsboro Lake (Old Lake; 300 MG), is used as a secondary source.  Hillsboro Lake is currently down about 6 inches.  Lake levels higher than typically seen at this time.  Significant increases in usage are not expected.  Hillsboro has requested voluntary restrictions from its customers.  The City plans to adopt ordinances for mandatory restrictions to address future problems

 

Macomb  (IL1090350): Two wells rated at 550 gpm are also used by the City.  Summer reductions in usage are typical given that Western Illinois University population is reduced during the summer.  Water can be pumped from the East Fork LaMoine River when necessary. 

 

Gillespie   (IL1170400): The Old Lake (185 MG) can be pumped to the new Lake as a secondary source.  Currently, both lakes are near capacity.  No significant increases in usage are projected and no contingency plans are in place to address drought issues.

 

Mt. Olive  (IL1170700):  Both lakes are reported at levels higher than typically seen at this time of year.  The intake from the Old Lake supplies water to the water treatment plant.  No restrictions have been implemented at this time.

 

Palmyra-Modesto W.C.  (IL1175150): The Palmyra-Modesto Water Commission will soon expand and provide water to the South Palmyra Water Commission, which in turn, will provide water to the Village of Hettick and numerous rural customers.  Coordination with satellite systems has been initiated in the past when drought issues have become a concern.  The Reservoir his historically maintained a certain level during drought conditions.  Mr. Garst has indicated that the reservoir is believed to be spring fed.

 

Ashland  (IL0170100): No significant increases in usage are projected.  Contingency plans are not in place to address drought concerns.  Water is pumped from Little Indian Creek to fill the side channel reservoirs.  Levels are higher than usual for this time of year.

 

Pana  (IL0210500): At 3 ft. below normal pool, voluntary restrictions are enacted.  At 3.5 ft. below normal pool, mandatory restrictions are enacted.  No significant increases in usage are projected.

 

Taylorville  (IL0210600): This lake has a large watershed and fills easily.  Four wells are also routinely used.  There is a 14-inch water line from the wells that can deliver 1600 gpm or 2.3 MG, which is above the average daily usage of 2.1 MG.

 

Groundwater Report

No reports have been received of increase in bulk water sales, reduced storage volumes, or reduction in source water quantity.

 

COLLINSVILLE REGION

Surface Water Report

Breese (IL0270250):  The community is encouraging voluntary conservation measures, however has removed mandatory measures.  The water plant is currently operating at full production/maximum capacity (24 hours a day).

 

Farina (IL0510150): The community has not reported any problems at this point.

 

O Fallon (IL1631100):  The City has lifted even/odd-watering schedule. 

 

Groundwater Report

Edwardsville (IL1190250):  The community water supply is maintaining voluntary water conservation measures in association with their satellites SIUE (IL1195550), NE Central PWD (IL1195280) and Glen Carbon (IL1190300).

 

Troy (IL1191000):  The City of Troy has issued a Voluntary Conserve Water notice.  The water supply is not in a critical situation, however they want to avoid any shortage.  The thought is to dissuade people from wasting the water.

 

 

MARION REGION

Surface Water Report

Generally, reservoirs in the Marion Region remain at/near full. 

 

Alto Pass Water District (IL1815150): Three raw water sources available, Little Cedar Lake (IN71330) with a capacity of approximately 212 MG, one side channel reservoir (IN71331) having a capacity of 0.4 MG, and the old original 13.5 acre reservoir.  This reservoir is currently on private property but the Water District has a written agreement with the property owners that would allow them to drain water from the reservoir into an adjacent creek that flows past the current WTP.  They would then pump from the creek into the side channel reservoir.  The water level in Little Cedar Lake is less than 6" below overflow and the side channel reservoir is maintained at the full level by pumping from Little Cedar.  No shortage problems are anticipated and they are working on a source conversion to becoming a purchased groundwater supply by connecting to the village of Cobden PWS.  No water use restriction ordinance exists.

 

Marion (IL1990550):  Two raw sources available.  Marion Reservoir (Raw Source No. 71850) with a capacity of approximately 434 MG and Herrin Lake (No Raw Source Number) having a capacity of  400 MG.  Water level in the Marion Reservoir is currently 1.35’ below overflow level (drop of 0.27’ from last week) and the Herrin Reservoir was near overflow level according to Glenn Clarida.  They began pumping from Herrin Reservoir into the Marion Reservoir on 6/24/05 at a rate of 450 gpm (0.648 MGD).  Marion is also interconnected to the city of Herrin, IL PWS (Rend Lake IWS water) and can obtain from 0.6 to 1.0 MGD through this interconnection.  This connection has only been operated on a sporatic basis.  The community does not have a water use restriction ordinance according to their city engineer.  Water restrictions that have been invoked twice in the past, have been strickly voluntary.

 

Vienna (IL0870350):  Two sources available.  Lake Bloomfield (Raw Source No. 70810) with a capacity of approximately 158 MG and one side channel reservoir  (Raw Source No. 70811) with a capacity of 33 MG.  Lake Bloomfield is approximately 2.5 feet below spillway level (approx. 4 ft above upper intake) and the side channel reservoir is slightly less than full (presently they are pumping into it).  Vienna is also interconnected with the Millstone Water District (W.S. No. 1515050) and purchases approximately 0.010 MGD through this connection.  A larger amount could be purchased if necessary.  No water use restriction ordinance exists.

 

Groundwater Report

No reports have been received of increase in bulk water sales, reduced storage volumes, or reduction in source water quantity.

 

Illinois Drought