Monday, May 5, 2025 | View in browser
City of Evanston Celebrates Drinking Water Week, May 4-10
 Evanston, IL - The City of Evanston joins communities nationwide in celebrating Drinking Water Week, May 4-10. This annual observance, coordinated by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), recognizes the vital role clean, safe drinking water plays in our daily lives and honors the dedicated professionals who work around the clock to ensure its delivery.
Evanston’s Water Production Bureau is critical to the region’s water infrastructure. Drawing from Lake Michigan, the City operates the second-largest water plant in Illinois, supplying high-quality drinking water to 10 surrounding communities, reaching approximately 488,000 residents and 61,000 businesses. In 2024 alone, the Bureau distributed more than 17 billion gallons of water, averaging 46.6 million gallons per day.
The City's commitment to water excellence was recognized in 2023 when it was awarded “Best Tasting Tap Water in Illinois” by the Illinois Section of the AWWA. That same year, Darrell King, Evanston’s Water Production Bureau Chief, received the Water Professional of the Year award from the Illinois Section of AWWA.
“We are committed to providing safe drinking water to all communities we serve and continue to make significant investments into our water treatment plant and distribution system," said Bureau Chief Darrell King.
Lead Service Line Replacement
Evanston continues to invest in a safe and sustainable water future. Since 2022, the City has replaced 751 lead service lines, improving water quality for residents. Residents can track progress and learn more through the City’s Lead Service Line Replacement Dashboard at evanstonleadreplacement.org.
Drinking Water Week & Water Production Bureau Materials
Throughout Drinking Water Week, the City will highlight the work of the Water Production Bureau and the importance of clean, reliable drinking water through daily posts on its social media channels, including Facebook and Instagram. In addition, a table will be set up inside the children's section at the Evanston Public Library Main Branch featuring books about water (a list of books is available online as well).
The Water Production Bureau’s 2024 Annual Report will be available on the City’s website by the end of May. Additionally, drinking water providers are required by the United States Environmental Protection Agency to provide residents with a water quality report known as the Consumer Confidence Report each year by July 1. This year, the water quality has met or exceeded all drinking water standard.
Watch our Water Treatment Video to learn how Evanston’s water goes from Lake Michigan to your tap. For more information, call/text 847-448-4311 or simply dial 3-1-1 while in Evanston.
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Media Contacts:
Cynthia Vargas
cvargas@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8234
Jessie Mayo
jmayo@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8041
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