Category Archives: Stream of Consciousness

News, happenings, and commentary about water issues in northeastern Illinois and northwestern Indiana

Systemic Changes Needed to Water Delivery Services

Posted on May 31, 2012 by

By Matt Harrison We are presently confronted by challenges to meet immediate human needs without compromising the needs of future generations at every level of human organization, and cannot do so without developing innovative solutions to old problems. This is … Continue reading →

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Roll out the (rain) barrel!

Posted on May 21, 2012 by

MWRD announces newly improved rain barrel sales program Homeowners can join the effort to collect and reuse stormwater by purchasing and installing a rain barrel from the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago (MWRD). The MWRD has been selling … Continue reading →

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Lake County Watershed BMP Implementation Program Request for Proposals, deadline May 25

Posted on May 17, 2012 by

Lake County Stormwater Management Commission will once again be preparing an application to the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (Illinois EPA) for Clean Water Act Section 319(h) grant funds to support implementation of watershed best management practices (BMPs) that are identified … Continue reading →

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‘Taking the Waste Out of Wastewater’

Posted on April 30, 2012 by

What would it take to convince you to drink treated sewage water? Would it be an easier sell if you knew that we have enough water in our system but not enough in the right places? With Chicago’s (and many … Continue reading →

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From Plumbing Codes to the Water-Energy Nexus: What Can Illinois Do?

Posted on March 29, 2012 by

By Abby Crisostomo Great news yesterday in Springfield! You may have heard about Ill. House Bill 4496 (Rep. Carol Sente, D-Lincolnshire), a bill MPC and many partners have been working on to establish a timeline for the Ill. Dept. of … Continue reading →

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Illinois Governor’s Sustainability Awards, May 25 deadline

Posted on March 22, 2012 by

Since 1987, the Illinois Sustainable Technology Center (ISTC) has presented Governor’s awards to organizations in Illinois that have demonstrated a commitment to environmental excellence through outstanding and innovative sustainability practices. Sustainable technology encompasses any technique or technology that reduces the … Continue reading →

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2012 WaterSense Partner of the Year Award, Apr. 6 deadline

Posted on March 20, 2012 by

Are you a WaterSense partner who helped consumers achieve Olympic-sized savings in 2011?  Maybe you cleared a few hurdles on the way to hosting a medal-worthy community event?  Well, the clock is ticking on your chance to earn well-deserved recognition … Continue reading →

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TogetherGreen Conservation Innovation Grants, Apr. 2 deadline

Posted on March 18, 2012 by

TogetherGreen is awarding at least 40 grants between $5,000 and $80,000 to organizations within the Audubon network or partnering with an Audubon group who are engaging their communities in finding innovative ways of conserving the natural environment. The TogetherGreen Innovation Grants … Continue reading →

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McHenry County Celebrates National Groundwater Awareness Week, Mar. 12-22

Posted on March 9, 2012 by

McHenry County Department of Health (MCDH) is celebrating National Groundwater Awareness Week by encouraging homeowners to have their well water tested during the week of March 12-22. The observance brings attention to the importance of groundwater as a valuable resource … Continue reading →

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Second Annual Rain Barrel Contest, Mar. 30 deadline

Posted on March 2, 2012 by

Projects to encourage citizen participation in beautifying water infrastructure, like the Water Tank Project taking place in New York City, are happening around the country, including here in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is teaming up with Illinois … Continue reading →

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