Lake County Gazette

Lake County has announced a significant development in its water infrastructure, as over 3,700 customers in the Pekara, Inverrary, and Horatio Gardens neighborhoods will soon transition from well water to Lake Michigan water. This change aims to address resident concerns about taste, odor, and hardness, despite the current system meeting all Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) standards.

According to a press release by Lake County, the existing well infrastructure was considered unsustainable for long-term use and would have required costly upgrades. The transition is supported by $1.1 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds and a 20-year agreement with the Village of Buffalo Grove to source water through the Northwest Water Commission.

The project is expected to improve water quality by providing lower mineral content and reducing appliance wear while eliminating the need for water softeners. System activation is anticipated in the coming weeks.

The Pekara Water System project involves constructing a connection south of Aptakisic Road in Buffalo Grove to deliver Lake Michigan water to the affected neighborhoods. The effort is currently 75% complete. While residents will experience higher water rates due to the $2.7 million project funded by ARPA and Lake County, there will be no connection fees or special taxes imposed.

Lake County Public Works oversees this initiative as part of its responsibility to provide water and sanitary sewer services across various county areas. Established in 1962 by the Lake County Board, the department was created in response to rapid post-World War II growth and concerns about pollution and utility service reliability in unincorporated areas.