SPRINGFIELD – To ensure Crest Hill residents have clean drinking water, State Senator Meg Loughran Cappel spearheaded a measure that would construct a Lake Michigan water receiving station, which passed the Senate Thursday.

“We have to provide residents with clean drinking water,” said Loughran Cappel (D-Shorewood). “This is necessary for Crest Hill to have access to Lake Michigan’s water supply. This is an easy solution that would have a lasting effect on the city.”

Crest Hill's switch to Lake Michigan as a source of treated water supply needs to be finished by the end of 2029. The new water supply operation would be able to serve both the city's water system pressure zones and would be capable of meeting all of its water supply needs.

House Bill 2097 would authorize the City of Crest Hill to buy the land that would be used in the construction of a Lake Michigan water station. The proposed site for the water receiving station is on land owned by the Illinois Department of Corrections, which is near the city's largest water customer, Stateville Correctional Center.

“My top priority is addressing the local issues that affect our community,” Loughran Cappel said. “The residents of Crest Hill deserve to have clean drinking water.”

House Bill 2097 passed the Senate and now heads to the governor’s desk.