Joliet Seeks PR Firm On Alternative Water Source Project

(The following press release was issued Thursday by the Office of Joliet City Manager David Hales.)

JOLIET, IL - The City of Joliet is accepting qualifications to provide public relations consulting services for Phases I and II of the City’s alternative water source study. A study completed by the Illinois State Water Survey of the sandstone aquifers in Northeastern Illinois identified decreased groundwater levels. It is generally understood based on this research that partial desaturation of the Ironton-Galesville aquifer could occur within 10 to 15 years. Therefore, the City has begun preparations for an alternative water supply to either replace or supplement the City’s reliance on deep well aquifers.

One public relations firm will be selected to develop public relations strategy and implementation for the following constituencies: 1.) Local and regional governing bodies, 2.) Stakeholders in the Joliet Community to include industrial, commercial, agricultural, cultural, non-profit, and business leaders, and 3.) The public.

The intent is to study the issue in two phases. Phase I, to be completed in January 2019, will be a high level review and evaluation of 14 alternative water sources for general feasibility based upon water quality and water quantity. The analysis will be conducted two ways (1) as an alternative water source for Joliet and (2) as an alternative regional water source. Phase II, to be completed in December 2019, will provide a more detailed study of the viable alternatives identified in Phase I.

More information is available at http://www.cityofjoliet.info/bids-proposals. If you have any questions about the City’s Alternative Water Source Study, please contact Allison Swisher with the Department of Public Utilities at 815-724-4230.

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