OSWEGO, Illinois — The DuPage Water Commission and the WaterLink communities celebrated the groundbreaking for an approximately 30-mile transmission main extension that will deliver Lake Michigan water to the rapidly growing communities of Montgomery, Oswego and Yorkville, one of the largest municipal water infrastructure projects to be executed in Illinois in the last 30 years.

“WaterLink is the result of years of negotiation, planning and trust among local governments who recognized water is a shared resource and the most responsible answer is a regional one,” says Jim Zay, chairman of the DuPage Water Commission. “By securing reliable access to clean Lake Michigan water for Montgomery, Oswego and Yorkville, we are investing in public health, economic growth and environmental resilience."

With project estimates nearing $400 million, the WaterLink project will move all three communities off the Ironton-Galesville deep sandstone aquifer, a regional source the Illinois State Water Survey says is being withdrawn twice as fast as it is naturally replenished. Water officials have warned that, without intervention, the aquifer will be unable to meet projected demand as early as 2050, with some Oswego wells at risk as early as 2033. Construction is scheduled for completion in 2028.

“Montgomery began reviewing options more than a decade ago because the data was clear: Our wells were not going to support the families, schools and businesses moving here,” says Matt Brolley, village president of the Village of Montgomery. “Today's groundbreaking is proof that long-range planning, regional partnership and disciplined stewardship can solve problems before they become crises.”

The 30-mile pipeline faces logistical and technical challenges as it is built across multiple counties and municipal jurisdictions in Naperville, Oswego, Montgomery and Yorkville. This includes transmission mains up to 54 inches in diameter routed through heavily populated corridors, including 11 miles within existing ComEd rights-of-way. The project includes major crossings of regional highways, railroad and utility corridors, and the Fox River.

“This project shows how our communities can come together and invest in infrastructure to better serve our communities for generations to come,” says Ryan Kauffman, village president of the Village of Oswego. “Lake Michigan water gives Oswego the resilience and capacity to support our community for decades.”

WaterLink is funded through WIFIA loans from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, as well as financing from the Illinois State Revolving Fund and local general obligation bonds. Each municipality will continue to bill residents directly. Existing wells are expected to remain available for emergency backup use during and after the transition to Lake Michigan water.

“We appreciate the DuPage Water Commission's efforts over the past few years to help us secure a sustainable water source,” says John Purcell, mayor of the City of Yorkville. “WaterLink guarantees every new family, classroom and business that puts down roots in Yorkville will be benefiting from the resources secured by the decisions we are making today."

Burns & McDonnell is providing program management and construction observation to support 12 contract packages across several counties and jurisdictions.

WaterLink construction kicked off in December 2025. Construction teams are currently working along Book Road and at the intersection of 95th Street and Wolf’s Crossing Road in Naperville. Project updates, detour maps and construction schedules are available at waterlinkpipeline.com.

About WaterLink

WaterLink is a major regional infrastructure partnership to secure a sustainable, long‑term drinking water supply for the growing communities of Montgomery, Oswego and Yorkville through an approximately 30-mile transmission main extension connected to the DuPage Water Commission system. Learn more.

About the DuPage Water Commission

The DuPage Water Commission has delivered nearly a trillion gallons of fresh Lake Michigan water to its one million customers during 30 years of pumping operations. It has become the standard for safe, clean, affordable Lake Michigan water in Illinois. Learn more.

About Burns & McDonnell

Working from more than 75 offices around the world, Burns & McDonnell designs and builds critical infrastructure. Our family of companies, driven by engineers, construction professionals, architects, planners, technologists and scientists, delivers projects grounded in safety and a desire to make a difference as we make our clients successful. Founded in 1898, Burns & McDonnell is 100% employee-owned. Learn more.