A 1967 U.S. Supreme Court Decree limits Illinois' diversion of water
from Lake Michigan. In response, the General Assembly has tasked the
Illinois Department of Natural Resources with developing an ongoing program
to equitably allocate Illinois' limited supply of Lake Michigan water. The
"Rules and Regulations for the Allocation of Water from Lake Michigan"
describe the allocation process, contains the criteria used to evaluate
applications for a water allocation and the water conservation practices
and other permit conditions required of allocation permit holders.
Allocation Objectives
The importance of wise, long-term water resource planning and the large
investments that must be made to secure new water supply sources requires
that the objectives of an allocation program clearly address the problems
to be solved. In Illinois' case, the objectives must also address the
specific requirements of the U.S. Supreme Court Decree. The objectives,
or goals, of Illinois' allocation program can be summarized as follows;
- To make the greatest amount of Lake Michigan water available
for domestic water supply.
- To use Lake Michigan water allocations as a tool to preserve
groundwater resources for communities in northeastern Illinois who
will not have access to a Lake Michigan water supply.
- To make long-term allocations so that communities receiving an
allocation for the first time can secure the needed financing to
construct regional water distribution systems.
- To carefully consider the competing needs of all water users in
the region so that allocations promote the efficient development of
water supplies in the region in light of long range needs and objectives.
- To require all users of Lake Michigan water to conserve and
manage this resource.
Allocation Process
A successful water allocation program must combine a technically defensible methodology
with an administrative process that follows legally defensible procedures and treats all
applicants fairly. To achieve this goal, Illinois' allocation process consists of the
following key elements:
- An active public participation program.
- An identification of available water supply sources.
- A long-range water demand forecasting methodology.
- Formal allocation hearings on all requests.
- Issuance of an Allocation Order.
- Ongoing monitoring of water use and consumption by all permittees.
- Formal process to make adjustments in allocations.
- For questions or additional information about the allocation program,
contact the Lake Michigan Programs Section.
Documents
The 2005
and 2010
Water Rate Surveys are available, as well as
LMO-2 Report Summary Tables for
2009 and
2010.
Editable 2011 Annual Water Use Audit Form
The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Chicago District’s Lake Michigan Diversion home page
allows anyone to look at or download the Corps’ latest reports on Illinois’ diversion.
They are the official keepers of certified reports of our diversion.
2011 Annual Water Use Audit Form LMO-2 Form
Lake Michigan Water Allocation Application For Permit
Illinois Lake Michigan Water Conservation
Goals and Objectives 2010
Part 3730 - Allocation of Water from Lake Michigan
Lake Michigan Water Allocation Newsletter, 2011 Edition
|
