Progress from CMAP

Water-Energy Nexus Survey Summary.  The Illinois Section of the American Water Works Association's (ISAWWA) Water Efficiency Committee has released a Water-Energy Nexus Survey Summary Report.  The report is the result of a two-year effort to collect water and energy data from public water suppliers with the purpose of better understanding the energy embedded in the state's water supplies. Energy intensity was one of the seven metrics that was analyzed both in terms of water source and utility size among respondents.  Fifty utilities participated in the first round of data collection and utilities can still participate in the survey.  The deadline for survey submissions is June 1.   Fill out the survey on-line or contact Amy Talbot (atalbot@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-8646) to request a paper copy. 


 

Resources

Spring lawn care.  Although the region has experienced early spring weather, the Lawn to Lake program reminds residents that early spring fertilization is not only unnecessary, but can have detrimental effects on our water resources -- the fertilizer and pesticides we put on the lawn ends up in our water.  U.S. EPA's website has a series of videos on healthy lawn care practices.   Contact Margaret Schneemann for more information (mschneemann@cmap.illinois.gov or 312-386-7455).

Water Usage Calculator.  The Alliance for Water Efficiency recently released the Water Usage Calculator, an on-line tool that automatically compares estimated water use of an average home versus a water-efficient home in the same region with the same number of residents.  The Water Usage Calculator also estimates the carbon footprint of a household's hot water use and helps identify areas where improved water efficiency may be possible.  Visit the Alliance website to search the on-line water conservation and efficiency Resource Library, information on water efficient products, water news, and a water conservation tracking tool.  For more information or to become a member of the Alliance, contact Mike Piskur (michael@a4we.org).

New unwanted medicine disposal website.  University of Illinois Extension and Illinois Indiana Sea Grant have developed a new website addressing proper medicine disposal.  Medicine disposal is of concern because studies have found pharmaceuticals are present in U.S. waterways and in drinking water.  IISG works with communities to develop local medicine collection programs.  For more information, contact IISG Pollution Prevention Specialist Laura Kammin (lkammin@illinois.edu or 217-333-1115).

Climate change and water resources.  The Natural Resources Defense Council has released Ready or Not:  An Evaluation of State Climate and Water Preparedness Planning, an on-line resource regarding our state’s climate change preparedness.  The U.S. EPA has also opened a public comment period on a draft of its National Water Program 2012 Strategy: Response to Climate Change through May 17. 


 

Water News

Great Lakes states sign deal on offshore wind farms.  The State of Illinois, along with New York, Minnesota, Michigan, and Pennsylvania, has signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with the Obama administration to streamline development of offshore wind farms in the Great Lakes.  The MOU is designed to facilitate and coordinate federal, state, and local interests as processes and proposals are considered for the development of wind farms in these  states.   Benefits of wind farms include the creation of jobs that for example, for every megawatt of wind power, up to 20 jobs could be created.  In New York, it is estimated that 143,000 megawatts of power could be harnessed offshore.  Aside from job creation, many other interests such as environmental impacts, social preferences, national defense, and water supply operations would need to be considered before any potential projects would move forward. 

Illinois Coastal Management.  The Illinois Coastal Management Program now makes the State of Illinois eligible for $2 million per year to address local priority projects such as invasive species, ecosystem restoration, and sustainable and economic development. The program received the Certificate of Approval from Governor Quinn in March.

Illinois plumbing code amendment.  On March 28, 2012, the Illinois General Assembly passed HB4496, which recommends the Illinois Plumbing Code be amended to “reflect advances technologies and methods that more efficiently utilize natural resources and protect public health.” This amendment could signal increased water resource sustainability for the state.   Currently, the code does not include provisions for rainwater harvesting for indoor non-potable uses.


 

Events

Climate and water resources workshop.  On April 17, a team of scientists from the University of Leeds will participate in "Water in a Changing World: A Comparison of Midwest and European Approaches" at the I-Hotel and Conference Center (1900 S. First Street, Champaign) from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.  The workshop will feature short presentations followed by panel discussions, including one on Urbanization and Water where CMAP's Tim Loftus will speak about Water 2050.  There is no cost to attend, but registration is required.  Contact the European Union Center at 217-2650-7515 for registration or more information.

Watershed Academy webcast.  IEPA will host a free Watershed Academy webcast titled “Using the Clean Water Act State Revolving Fund (CWSRF) for Nonpoint Source and National Estuary Projects” on April 17 from noon to 2:00 p.m. CT.   The CWSRF is a large, flexible, and largely untapped source of funding for watershed protection projects.  Each year the CWSRF provides funding stormwater and wastewater projects, as well as nonpoint source projects, such as land conservation, agricultural best management practices, and clean-up of contaminated sites.  Register for the webcast on-line.

Earth Day luncheon. The Village of Winthrop Harbor will host an Earth Day Luncheon on April 20 from 11:30 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. at the Winthrop Harbor Yacht Club. The event will focus on economic development along the Illinois Lake Michigan Shore and includes a lunchtime panel conversation where CMAP’s Hala Ahmed will speak.

Buffalo Creek Watershed. On April 25, the Buffalo Creek Clean Watershed Partnership (BCCWP) will hold its first public meeting at the Village Council Chambers (50 Raupp Boulevard, Buffalo Grove). The goal of BCCWP is to address issues including flooding, erosion, habitat loss, and water quality along Buffalo Creek, an 11-mile long stream that drains parts of eight communities in northern Cook and southern Lake Counties. Regional agencies including CMAP will participate and lead discussions of these issues, providing opportunities for citizens and communities to learn and voice their concerns. For more information, contact Jeff Weiss (marjeff1@aol.com or 847-224-0965).