Providing Water to Chicago & Northeastern Illinois

The City of Chicago is proud to be the premier water provider to more than five million people in Northeastern Illinois. At the heart of the City's water system are two purification plants -- the Eugene Sawyer Water Purification Plant and the James Jardine Water Purification Plant -- the latter of which is the largest conventional water treatment plant in the world. Together, these two plants have a capacity to produce approximately 2.1 billion gallons of water per day. To convey this water to meet the needs of our region, Chicago's water system comprises 65 miles of tunnels, 12 pumping stations, and 4,300 miles of water mains.

In addition to the residents of Chicago, the City supplies water to many suburban communities and water systems. Click HERE for a list of the City's suburban customers.

Chicago-Grand Prairie Water Commission Water Supply Project

Durkin Park Infrastructure Improvements

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Chicago Water Partners Advisory Council (CWPAC)

As noted above, Chicago supplies water not only to City residents but also to many suburban communities and water systems -- collectively providing water to more than five million people in our region. To enhance its relationships with these suburban customers, in 2022 the Chicago Department of Water Management (CDWM) established the Chicago Water Partners Advisory Council (CWPAC).

The CWPAC, whose membership includes representatives of the communities and water systems served by Chicago, is intended to enhance regional collaboration on water related matters. The members of CWPAC, which meets quarterly during the year, share best practices on water supply issues and provide operational and policy recommendations to the Commissioner of CDWM.