Biggsville, IL – The Henderson County Board is working toward establishing a rural water system for the county.
Board member Tom Doran sees the move as one form of economic development. However, he says many of the water sources in the county have problems with nitrates or coliform bacteria.
Doran says a county board subcommittee has prepared a presentation that it will take to every local government meeting in the county to seek a resolution of support.
In addition, Doran says they'll seek signatures on a petition showing support for the countywide water system.
With that backing, he believes it should be possible to get grants through the Western Illinois Regional Council to help install the water mains. He says they should have a better chance of getting the grants as a system, rather than with each village or township applying separately.
Doran believes the water could come from the Dallas Rural Water System as well as from a treatment plant that Galesburg plans to build near Oquawka.
He hopes to have the indications of support within three months. Then the county will begin to work with the regional council on money to pay for feasibility studies.