Skip to main content

Executive Order Number 06-01

January 09, 2006

Executive Order Number 06-01 (PDF, 91 KB)

State Of Illinois Executive Department - Springfield, Illinois 
EXECUTIVE ORDER
NUMBER 1 (2006)

EXECUTIVE ORDER FOR THE DEVELOPMENT
OF STATE AND REGIONAL WATER-SUPPLY PLANS

WHEREAS, the citizens of Illinois rely on surface water and groundwater for personal consumption, and industries of the State use a significant amount of that water for economic development; and

WHEREAS, the increasing demands on Illinois’ water resources and the impacts of drought may lead to conflicts between the multiple water supply users and may adversely affect the health of the State’s citizens as well as adversely impacting the environment and the economy; and

WHEREAS, the quantity of surface water and groundwater in Illinois must be properly assessed through a sound planning process as an essential part of any responsible, economically viable and secure water supply development for the citizens of the State; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Interagency Coordinating Committee on Groundwater, the Illinois State Water Survey, and the Illinois State Water Plan Task Force have identified the Priority Water Quantity Planning Areas that are most at risk for water shortages and conflicts; and

WHEREAS, the Illinois Integrated Water Quantity Planning and Management Committee recommends the development of regional aquifer and watershed plans for managing water supplies;

THEREFORE, BE IT ORDERED that the following actions shall be executed:

Consistent with the authority granted to the Department of Natural Resources under the Rivers, Lakes, and Streams Act, 615 ILCS 5/5 et seq. and the Level of Lake Michigan Act, 615 ILCS 50/1 et seq., the authority of the Department of Natural Resources’ Office of Water Resources under 20 ILCS 801/5-5, the Office of Water Resources, in coordination with the State Water Survey, shall:

  1. Define a comprehensive program for state and regional water supply planning and management and develop a strategic plan for its implementation consistent with existing laws, regulations and property rights,
  2. Provide for public review of the draft strategic plan for a water supply planning and management program;
  3. Establish a scientific basis and an administrative framework for implementing state and regional water supply planning and management;
  4. Develop a package of financial and technical support for, and encouragement of, locally based regional water supply planning committees. These committees, whether existing or new entities, shall be organized for participation in the development and approval of regional plans in the Priority Water Quantity Planning areas;
  5. By December 31, 2006, ensure that Regional Water Quantity Plans are in process for at least two Priority Water Quantity Planning Areas.

EFFECTIVE DATE

This Executive Order shall be in full force and effect upon its filing with the Secretary of State.

Rod R. Blagojevich, Governor
Issued by Governor: January 9, 2006
Filed with Secretary of State: January 9, 2006