Lake Michigan will replace water from a well near Buffalo Grove

Lake County approved a $2.2 million contract to switch customers of its Pekara water system, shown in red, from wells to Lake Michigan water. The area is in unincorporated Lake County, south of Aptakisic Road near Buffalo Grove.

Water quality for residents is expected to improve in an unincorporated area of ​​Lake County near Buffalo Grove when wells are replaced with Lake Michigan as the primary source.

The Lake County Board this week approved a $2.2 million contract with Campanella & Sons Inc. of Wadsworth to connect the Pekara system to Lake Michigan water, which would be supplied by Buffalo Grove through Northwest Water Commission.

The county-run system serving the Pekara and Horatio Gardens neighborhoods south of Aptakisic Road between Milwaukee Avenue (Route 21) and Weiland Road was built more than 50 years ago. Although the well water meets all Illinois Environmental Protection Agency requirements, residents have concerns about taste, odor and hardness.

“Residents in this community have been eager for this change for some time,” said Austin McFarlane, county public works director. “I applaud their patience with us.”

There are approximately 1,230 users/connections in the Pekara system, where several wells supply water to a reservoir and distribution network. Work is expected to begin in July or August and be completed in spring 2025, including water changes.

A Nov. 6 community meeting explaining the project was well-attended, according to Lake County board member Marah Altenberg, whose district includes the area.

She said the Lake Michigan crossing was the biggest issue in those neighborhoods during the campaign two years ago.

“Some people have lived in these places for a decade or two and they are very enthusiastic,” she added. “They were waiting to make the change.”

According to the county, Lake Michigan water is a more reliable source than groundwater wells, has a lower concentration of minerals, reduces wear and tear on appliances and filtration systems, eliminates the need for water softeners. water and reduces mineral buildup on faucets and faucets.

Better quality will come at a price. Users will pay significantly more for Lake Michigan water due to the increased cost of delivering water, although they will not be charged connection fees or special service area taxes, depending on the county.

Costs increase based on the amount of water used, as shown in three tiers, starting with 1,000 to 2,000 gallons per month and up to 7,000 gallons or more per month.

The price would increase almost fivefold for those in Tier 1. Costs for Tiers 2 and 3 would increase by approximately 80% and 75%, respectively. Estimates were based on 2023 rates and will be subject to change once the project is completed, according to the project website.

“I feel like they’re paying to get the good quality water they want,” Altenberg said.

The county allocated $1 million in American Rescue Plan Act funds for the Pekara system and budgeted for the difference.