OSWEGO, IL — The DuPage Water Commission and the WaterLink communities celebrated the groundbreaking for an approximately 30-mile transmission main extension that will deliver Lake Michigan water to the rapidly growing communities of Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville, one of the largest municipal water infrastructure projects to be executed in Illinois in the last 30 years.
“WaterLink is the result of years of negotiation, planning, and trust among local governments who recognized water is a shared resource and the most responsible answer is a regional one,” said Jim Zay, Chairman of the DuPage Water Commission. “By securing reliable access to clean Lake Michigan water for Montgomery, Oswego, and Yorkville, we are investing in public health, economic growth, and environmental resilience."
With project estimates nearing $400 million, the WaterLink project will move all three communities off the Ironton-Galesville deep sandstone aquifer, a regional source the Illinois State Water Survey says is being withdrawn twice as fast as it is naturally replenished. Water officials have warned that, without intervention, the aquifer will be unable to meet projected demand as early as 2050, with some Oswego wells at risk as early as 2033. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028.
“Montgomery began reviewing options more than a decade ago because the data was clear: Our wells were not going to support the families, schools, and businesses moving here,” said Matt Brolley, Village President of the Village of Montgomery. “[This] groundbreaking is proof that long-range planning, regional partnership, and disciplined stewardship can solve problems before they become crises.”
The 30-mile pipeline faces logistical and technical challenges as it is built across multiple counties and municipal jurisdictions in Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery, and Yorkville. This includes transmission mains up to 54 inches in diameter routed through heavily populated corridors, including 11 miles within existing ComEd rights of way. The project includes major crossings of regional highways, railroad and utility corridors, and the Fox River.
| Your local New Holland dealer |
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| Burris Equipment |
| Burris Equipment |
| Burris Equipment |
“This project shows how our communities can come together and invest in infrastructure to better serve our communities for generations to come,” said Ryan Kauffman, Village President of the Village of Oswego. “Lake Michigan water gives Oswego the resilience and capacity to support our community for decades.”
WaterLink is funded through WIFIA loans from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as financing from the Illinois State Revolving Fund and local general obligation bonds. Each municipality will continue to bill residents directly. Existing wells are expected to remain available for emergency backup use during and after the transition to Lake Michigan water.
“We appreciate the DuPage Water Commission's efforts over the past few years to help us secure a sustainable water source,” said John Purcell, Mayor of the City of Yorkville. “WaterLink guarantees every new family, classroom, and business that puts down roots in Yorkville will be benefiting from the resources secured by the decisions we are making today."
Burns & McDonnell is providing program management and construction observation to support 12 contract packages across several counties and jurisdictions.
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| Brandeis Machinery |
| Brandeis Machinery |
| Brandeis Machinery |
Construction teams are currently working along Book Road and at the intersection of 95th Street and Wolf’s Crossing Road in Naperville.
