Brady PieperAn Illinois community is unveiling a new plan to enhance water and sewer infrastructure with more than $15 million slated for construction in 2025.
Lake County Public Works (LCPW) has released the next Capital Improvement Program for water and sewer infrastructure. Updated annually, the newest CIP will guide the county’s funding priorities and infrastructure projects over the next five years.
The LCPW operates and maintains sewer and water assets throughout the county, which are valued at an estimated $900 million. These assets include three water reclamation facilities, eight sewer systems, 12 water systems, more than 800 miles of distribution pipes and thousands of neighborhood-level pumps, wells and hydrants.
While working to preserve these facilities, the county’s new CIP outlines new and existing investments that expand and modernize infrastructure assets.
For 2025, Lake County will spend $15.3 million for construction on water and sewer infrastructure projects, according to officials. Among these projects, several will improve the capacity, delivery and treatment of water resources for residents and businesses, including:
- White Deer Run Reservoir – LCPW is developing a 2 million-gallon reservoir designed to serve approximately 25,000 residents in Vernon Hills and the surrounding areas. Expected for late summer or fall, the new White Deer Run Reservoir is designed to enhance local communities’ resilience and response to emergencies.
- Gages Lake Water Tower – The project will construct a 1.25 million-gallon water tower near Gages Lake Road, addressing an increased demand from new developments. Improving treatment capabilities, LCPW anticipates the new tower will ensure local homes and businesses have access to water during emergencies.
- Pekara Lake Michigan Water Connection – The project will connect Lake Michigan to the Pekara, Inverrary and Horatio Gardens neighborhoods by installing distribution systems. The project is expected to create an additional reliable water source that meets Illinois Environmental Protection Agency and federal regulations.
- Des Plaines River Water Reclamation Facility Improvements – LCPW will continue to modernize and upgrade the water treatment facility by constructing new disc filters, secondary clarifier covers and a UV disinfection system. The upgrades are expected to improve the facility’s efficiency, treatment processes and capacity.
LCPW updates the five-year CIP annually to provide transparency on capital funding and project deadlines. Public works projects are typically funded through the LCPW’s CIP, debt service and general fund.
Beyond these, the CIP highlights a significant federal contribution from the American Rescue Plan Act—$136 million—to improve residents’ quality of life and strengthen the county’s resilience. $21.4 million of this federal pandemic relief funding supported eight LCPW projects, which are on track to be completed this year.
For a comprehensive list of all projects, new and existing, project briefs and anticipated construction deadlines, view LCPW’s 2025-2029 CIP.
