Lake County Public Works
Summer Newsletter
Welcome to the summer edition of the Lake County Public Works (LCPW) newsletter. Read below to learn more about summer water restrictions and projects we are working on at the water reclamation facilities.
Summer Water Restrictions
From May 15 to September 15 each year, County ordinance prohibits the use of water for outside and landscaping purposes between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m. Outside water use is also restricted to certain days of the week. Even-numbered addresses can use outside water on even-numbered days, and odd-numbered addresses can use outside water on odd-numbered days. As we move into the later parts of summer, hotter and drier conditions can be present, which may lead to additional water-use restrictions.
Lake Michigan Water Interconnection Project
Construction is now complete on a project to bring Lake Michigan Water to the Pekara, Inverarry and Horatio Gardens neighborhoods in south-central Lake County. With construction wrapped up, LCPW is now finalizing the remaining steps of the project. As part of the required process for any water source changeover, LCPW has submitted the project to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) for approval.
Where Your Water Goes: Modernization Improvements at Lake County’s Treatment Facilities
Every time you flush a toilet, take a shower or run a load of laundry, the water leaving your home begins a journey most of us never see. That journey ends at one of Lake County Public Works' Water Reclamation Facilities (WRFs), where it's treated and safely returned to nature.
Right now, upgrades are underway at all three of our WRFs:
These facilities operate 24/7, quietly doing the essential work of treating millions of gallons of wastewater every single day. With funding from the American Rescue Plan Act, LCPW is modernizing these systems by installing new covers for secondary clarifiers and replacing outdated UV disinfection systems at the Des Plaines River WRF and Mill Creek WRF.
Why does that matter? These improvements:
- Increase efficiency and reliability
- Expand treatment capacity
- Ensure cleaner water is returned to local rivers
- Support better long-term maintenance and operations
The treatment process at our WRFs removes harmful nutrients like nitrogen and phosphorus, significantly reduces biosolid waste and ensures that clean water flows back into the Des Plaines River.
While we may not see them, WRFs are the front line of defense between our communities and environmental harm. These upgrades aren’t just about pipes and pumps, they’re about protecting our water and our health.
 Mill Creek Water Reclamation Facility
Contact Us
The Lake County Public Works Building located at 650 W. Winchester Road, Libertyville is open to the public. Customers may also contact us virtually with any questions or concerns at:
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