Illinois Lake Michigan Water Allocation Program

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 by e-mail @ dnr.dwrm@illinois.gov or by mail.