Long Grove Water Connection

Gewalt Hamilton Associates, Inc. (GHA) is providing engineering services for the Village of Long Grove’s transition from groundwater wells to Lake Michigan water supply. This change was made possible by a new interconnection with the Village of Buffalo Grove. GHA led all phases of the project, which included feasibility assessments, design, permitting, and construction coordination for the installation of approximately 1,500 feet of 16-inch transmission water main.

A detailed Phase I study assessed existing infrastructure, system capacity, and fire flow requirements. The study identified the need for system upgrades and informed a comprehensive report that guided material selection, construction methodology, and sizing of new infrastructure. GHA also led the intergovernmental coordination effort, facilitating a formal agreement (IGA) between Long Grove and Buffalo Grove for water purchase and delivery.

During Phase II, GHA designed a new metering station equipped with an advanced SCADA system, as well as a building addition to the existing Long Grove reservoir to accommodate vertical water main connections. The design phase required careful coordination with manufacturers to size valves and meters that could accommodate variable flow demands, ensuring long-term system compatibility and performance.

Permitting required close coordination with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA), including the preparation of an engineering report to support the permit for introducing a new potable water source. As a grant-funded project, GHA also led the EPA funding process, writing the justification report, completing the application, and submitting all required documentation, including semiannual updates.

Phase II also included extensive coordination of easement acquisition with private property owners to facilitate uninterrupted water main installation. GHA remains engaged in Phase III to provide construction observation and project oversight.