Lake Michigan Water Allocation in Illinois

In 1967 the United States Supreme Court entered a Decree that limited the direct diversion of Lake Michigan water by the State of Illinois to annual average flow of 3,200 cfs. The state delegated the responsibility of allocation to the Department of Transportation. The initial allocation was issued in 1972. The court rejected this allocation because the Department failed to observe procedural due process safeguards. The Department initiated the measures necessary to safeguard the applicants' interests during the reallocation proceedings. The 1977 allocation was based upon a regional projection of all water resources to the year 2010. Projected deficit areas were allocated Lake Michigan water in sufficient time so that critical groundwater levels were not reached. New Lake Michigan water users will receive Lake Michigan water in 1979. The Department's continuing program of data collection, expert studies, and technical assistance to communities will ensure wise use of all regional water resources.