The Metropolitan Planning Council (MPC) and Openlands, both longtime advocates for sustainable water supply management in Illinois, have released Before the Wells Run Dry: Ensuring Sustainable Water Supplies in Illinois.

This report recommends coordinated planning and implementation strategies that will capitalize on the work of the pilot regional planning groups, integrate regional plans with state and local practices, and ensure the long-term sustainability and efficient use of our finite, fragile water resources. A bottom-up approach supported by local management of water supplies is necessary to ensure state policies, programs and investments support the regional planning process, and coincide with local support of data-rich and stakeholder-driven regional water supply plans.