Combined sewer overflow

Problems: 
  • River reversals discharge raw sewage into our drinking water supply once a year on average. 
  • Flooding plagues our south suburbs and is predicted to increase in the Midwest (CMAP, 2013). 
  • Great Lakes hold 84% of surface freshwater in North America (USEPA) yet collar counties are running short of groundwater (ISWS MP-208).  Current regional water policy promoted moving water to them via ad-hoc water deals and long water transmission lines.  Our industry may consider moving to a more secure water source
Solution:
  • On-site water reuse provides a drought-proof and cost-stable alternative water source to adapt to climate change 
  • More than ever, we need STEM professionals to guide our policy.

One water

Illinois is the only state in the Mississippi River Basin where potable water reuse is illegal, as if the water cycle we teach to our 3rd graders doesn't exist.
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There is only one water, the same since the dinosaurs roamed the Earth.  Water is continuously recycled in the "water cycle" which is taught in elementary schools. 

There is no "away" in "throw away".  When we flush old medicine down the toilet, we contaminate our own local rivers which flow to the Gulf of Mexico.  Would you want to drink this... after advanced treatment? Instead of if water can be treated, how much treatment is needed to make it "fit for purpose"?  
Brave Blue World documentary ​

flood mitigation

Flood Management.  I grew up in a flooding home where we counted the numbers of basement stairs covered.   I witnessed first hand how large infrastructure can reduce flood damage.  After "deep tunnel" (a.k.a. the tunnel and reservoir project or TARP) was completed, our basement never flooded again.  I eliminated sewer backups in my current 1930s vintage home by replacing sidewalks with permeable pavement and redirecting downspouts to rain gardens.

Drought

2012 drought risk 4,000 jobs:  ​​"It sounds real noble to say we want to conserve water, [but] in reality it was, 'Don't shut the plant down.'"  See ADM Decatur drought story

​Governor's Task Force industrial water use recommendations:
1. Work with industries to identify adequate water supplies required to sustain existing and projected production levels
2. Work with industries to develop recommended water use restrictions when water supplies are inadequate to sustain existing production
3. Develop a mechanism to obtain expedient, long-term emergency regulatory relief for IEPA and IDNR restrictions upon demonstration of no adverse impacts.

brewing for conservation

2016 AZ Water Innovation Challenge
24 commercial craft beers from wastewater
Chicago One Water Beer was presented at water innovation forums 

WAter Reuse Policy

Technology exists for climate resilience but water policy is needed for implementation.   This is an opportunity for innovation before taxation.

Nutrients

Illinois is one of 12 states in the Gulf of Mexico Hypoxia Task Force (i.e., Dead Zone) and is not on track to meet nutrient reduction goals of 25% less phosphorus by 2025. 

invasive species

Shedd Aquarium Great Lakes invasive inventory
Asian Carp
Buy Asian Carp at Sorce Freshwater Company 
​Asian Carp recipes
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