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Source Water Protection

Vision Statement:

Evanston’s Source Water Protection Program is committed to maintaining a sustainable and abundant supply of safe, high-quality drinking water for Evanston and the communities it serves through a proactive and coordinated approach now and into the future.

Importance of Source Water:

Evanston’s source of water, Lake Michigan, is an incredible source of surface fresh water globally. More than 20 percent of the world’s available surface fresh water is contained in Lake Michigan and the other Great Lakes. Evanston recognizes the integral importance of its drinking water source, and works to uphold the tenets of the Great Lakes–St. Lawrence River Basin Water Resources Compact (Great Lakes Compact).

What is a Source Water Protection Plan?:

A Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP) is a proactive strategy to protect drinking water sources from contamination before treated water is delivered to homes and businesses.

For Evanston, this includes protecting Lake Michigan and the North Shore Channel through education, pollution prevention, stormwater management, and partnerships with regional agencies.

Key goals of a source water protection include:

  • Protecting public health and drinking water quality
  • Reducing pollutants entering Lake Michigan
  • Supporting clean beaches and healthy ecosystems
  • Maintaining long-term water supply reliability

You can read Evanston's Source Water Protection Plan here: Evanston's Source Water Protection Plan

Learn More About Source Water Protection

Quick Actions You Can Take to Protect Lake Michigan

Know Your Drinking Water Source:

Evanston treats water from three intakes in Lake Michigan to supply water to the more than 77,000 residents and businesses in Evanston, along with an additional population of over 410,000 through its dependent wholesale community customers. At its capacity, Evanston’s water treatment plant is able to supply 108 million gallons of drinking water per day.  Evanston and its Water Division staff are committed to being good stewards of this precious resource, as demonstrated by the many initiatives and activities outlined in this Plan.

Understanding your drinking water source is an important step in protecting it.

Learn More About Evanston’s Water System

Native Plants and Rain Gardens:

Native plants and rain gardens help reduce stormwater runoff and filter pollutants before they reach Lake Michigan.

Compared to traditional turf grass, native landscaping:

  • Uses less water and maintenance
  • Reduces stormwater runoff and erosion
  • Supports pollinators such as bees and butterflies
  • Improves natural filtration of pollutants

Native Landscaping Resources

Dispose of Medications Safely:

Flushing medications or disposing of them improperly can introduce contaminants into waterways. Most water treatment systems are not designed to fully remove pharmaceuticals.

Take Action to Protect Water Quality

Use approved medication disposal programs to keep pharmaceuticals out of Lake Michigan and the wastewater system.

Medication Disposal Locations and Programs

Install a Rain Barrel:

Rain barrels collect and store rainwater from rooftops for later use in landscaping and gardening. This reduces stormwater runoff and helps prevent pollutants from entering Lake Michigan.  Rain barrels also help reduce pressure on local sewer systems during heavy rain events.

Rain Barrel Programs and Resources

Scoop the Poop:

Pet waste left on the ground can be washed into storm drains during rain events, contributing bacteria and nutrients to local waterways and Lake Michigan.

Take Action to Protect Water Quality

Always pick up after pets and dispose of waste in a trash receptacle.

Get Involved - Beach Cleanup Opportunities:

Community beach cleanups help remove litter and prevent debris from entering Lake Michigan.

Participate in Local Cleanup Events

Protecting Lake Michigan Together

Protecting our drinking water is a shared responsibility. Small actions taken at home and in the community help preserve Lake Michigan for current and future generations.

This page supports the City of Evanston’s Source Water Protection Plan (SWPP) and long-term drinking water protection efforts. Evanston and its Water Division staff are committed to being good stewards of this precious resource, as demonstrated by the many initiatives and activities outlined in this Plan.