Securing illinois' groundwater future

The NWPA is well aware that groundwater is a shared resource essential to the economy and ecosystems throughout Illinois. Groundwater resources — long considered abundant — are under increasing pressure from overuse and inadequate administration. As seen across the NWPA region and other parts of Illinois, aquifers are experiencing alarming levels of desaturation, creating significant challenges for communities relying on them for drinking water. 

​Groundwater’s vulnerability to overuse, coupled with its “invisible” nature, underscores the need for a robust governance system. Unfortunately, Illinois’ current framework falls short of addressing these challenges, focusing more on conflict resolution than sustainable resource management. 

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