Situated along the shore of Lake Michigan, metropolitan Chicago has benefitted for centuries from an abundance of fresh water. The infrastructure necessary for delivering water and removing wastewater is primarily underground: out of sight and out of mind. Recognition of the status of water infrastructure and the resulting challenges faced by our community water suppliers has been building. At the same time, a new regional understanding has emerged regarding the role of water price in the effective provision and management of our water resources.

The long-range GO TO 2040 comprehensive regional plan specifically recommends full-cost pricing as fundamental to addressing both the need for investment in water infrastructure and the challenge of accommodating millions more residents in livable communities by mid-century. CMAP, in partnership with Illinois Indiana Sea Grant and the University of Illinois Extension, has developed an expert-reviewed manual that explores full-cost pricing as a tool for local decision makers interested in sustainably managing community water supply -- Full-Cost Water Pricing Guidebook for Sustainable Community Water Systems.

Visit www.cmap.illinois.gov/water-2050/full-cost-water-pricing to download the guidebook and to access resources for public outreach and education around full-cost water pricing.