The Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure has awarded the City of Evanston with its Envision Verified Award for the Clearwell 9 Replacement Project.

Completed in 2021, the Project, located near Lincoln Street beach, included replacement of a five-million-gallon treated water storage reservoir, implementation of a new submersible pumping system, site piping modifications and conversion of a parking lot into green space. Originally constructed in 1934, the underground water storage reservoir is a critical component of the city’s water treatment and distribution system, which provides reliable, high-quality drinking water to Evanston residents and the city’s wholesale water customers.

Construction of the $20 million project began in February 2019 and was completed in February 2021. (View a fascinating three-minute time lapse of construction activities.) The project was funded by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency’s Public Water Supply Loan Program.

“The successful completion of the Clearwell 9 Replacement Project enhances the ability of the Evanston Water Utility to provide clean, safe and reliable water to more than 480,000 water customers in 10 communities,” said Deputy City Manager Dave Stoneback. “This $20 million project was completed on schedule and within budget and was made possible by our partnership with Northwestern University and funding provided by the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency revolving loan fund.”

According to the Institute, many factors contributed to the project award, including improving views, enhancing community aesthetics, adding new public space, engaging stakeholders and protecting the natural world.

“The City of Evanston has a long-standing commitment to sustainability, climate action, and livability,” said Melissa Peneycad, the Institute’s Managing Director. “In keeping with this commitment, the team embraced the principles of sustainable design using Envision as a guide, and ultimately sought third-party verification to confirm the project’s sustainability attributes. Congratulations to the City of Evanston and its project partners on earning the Envision Verified Award for the Clearwell 9 Replacement Project.”

The city closely collaborated with CDM Smith and Thieneman Construction Inc. on the project.

For more information, visit cityofevanston.org/clearwell or call\text 847-448-4311.