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County/Local
Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago
The District will protect the health and safety of the public in its service area, protect the quality of the water supply source (Lake Michigan), improve the quality of water in watercourses in its service area, protect businesses and homes from flood damages, and manage water as a vital resource for its service area. The District’s service area is 883.5 square miles of Cook County, Illinois.
River Conservancy Districts in Illinois
Background info and listings of districts from the Illinois Conservation and Conservancy Districts LibGuide.
State of Illinois
Governor's Drought Response Task Force
A collaboration of multiple Illinois State Agencies, the task force provides information, tools and resources designed to minimize harmful impacts of drought. The final report is available online from the link above, and a print copy is available in the Prairie Research Institute Library (see catalog record)
Illinois Department of Natural Resources - Office of Water Resources
Involved with regulation of water withdrawals from Lake Michigan and reservoirs, water resource planning, and regulation of activities near Illinois water bodies.
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency - Bureau of Water
The Bureau of Water is committed to ensuring that Illinois’ rivers, streams, and lakes will support all uses for which they are designated including protection of aquatic life, recreation, drinking water supply and fish consumption.
Drinking Water (IEPA)
Information about drinking water from the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency.
Illinois Soil & Water Conservation Districts Directory
Online directory from the Illinois Department of Agriculture
Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS)
ISWS is the primary agency in Illinois for research and information on surface water, groundwater, and the atmosphere. Its mission is to characterize and evaluate the
quality, quantity, and use of these resources.
Illinois Water Supply Planning (ISWS)
Illinois water supply planning information from the Illinois State Water Survey
Illinois Water Resources Center
Brings water resource science to people who can use it through programs like private well maintenance training, small water supply education, undergraduate and graduate research, and the Illinois Water Conferences.
Illinois Commerce Commission - Water
The Illinois Commerce Commission regulates water and sewer utilities.
Mahomet Aquifer Council
A legislatively mandated advisory body on the Mahomet Aquifer. Members include legislators, members of professional groups, researchers, and environmental advocates. Most members are appointed by the Governor.
International
International Joint Commission
Operating under principles established in 1909 by the Boundary Waters Treaty, the IJC regulates shared water uses, investigates transboundary issues, and recommending solutions.
Great Lakes Commission
Established in 1955 by the Great Lakes Basin Compact, the Commission works with its member states and provinces to address issues of common concern, develop shared solutions, and collectively advance an agenda to protect and enhance the region’s economic prosperity and environmental health.
Lake Michigan Monitoring Council (Project Archives)
Formed in 1999 and ended in 2016. Supported monitoring efforts in the Lake Michigan basin as they related to the needs of the Lake Michigan Lakewide Action and Management Plan (LAMP).
On the University of Illinois Campus
Consortium of Universities for the Advancement of Hydrologic Science, Inc. (CUAHSI)
A 501(c)3 research organization representing more than 130 U.S. universities and international water science-related organizations. University of Illinois is a member. Campus contacts for CUASHI are listed here.
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant
Illinois-Indiana Sea Grant combines research, education and outreach to empower southern Lake Michigan communities to secure a healthy environment and economy.
Illinois State Water Survey
Founded in 1895 to survey the waters of Illinois to trace the spread of waterborne disease, the ISWS continues to investigate water quality and quantity issues in Illinois.
Illinois Water Resources Center
Brings water resource science to people who can use it through programs like private well maintenance training, small water supply education, undergraduate and graduate research, and the Illinois Water Conferences.
Water at Illinois
An access point for water-related research conducted at the University of I llinois at Urbana Champaign. Hosted by the Institute for Sustainability, Energy, and Environment.
Professional Organizations
Citizen Groups, Foundations, and More
Alliance for the Great Lakes
The mission of the Alliance for the Great Lakes is to conserve and restore the world's largest freshwater resource using policy, education and local efforts, ensuring a healthy Great Lakes and clean water for generations of people and wildlife.
American Groundwater Trust
AGWT brings stakeholders together to encourage open discussion about practical ways to develop, manage and protect groundwater resources so that sustainable economic and environmental benefits can be optimized
Environmental Law and Policy Center
the ELPC "embraces both smart, persuasive advocacy and sustainable development principles to win the most important environmental cases and create positive solutions to protect the environment."
Groundwater Foundation
A nonprofit organization that educates people and inspires action to ensure sustainable, clean groundwater for future generations.
Mahomet Aquifer Consortium
Formed in 1998 by stakeholders concerned about the sustainability of the Mahomet Aquifer. Expanded in 2010 to include all water resources (groundwater and surface water) in the 15 county MAC Area: Cass, Champaign, DeWitt, Ford, Iroquois, Logan, Macon, Mason, McLean, Menard, Piatt, Sangamon, Tazewell, Vermilion, and Woodford Counties.
Prairie Rivers Network
Illinois’ statewide leader in river protection, conservation, and restoration. As a registered not-for-profit organization in Illinois, Prairie Rivers Network (PRN) is governed by a dedicated board of directors and funded with the support of passionate members throughout Illinois.
WaterKeeper Alliance
The Waterkeeper movement’s mission is for swimmable, drinkable, fishable waterways worldwide. More than 220 Waterkeeper organizations around the world focus citizen action on issues that affect waterways, from pollution to climate change.
