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Water Forum

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The McHenry County Water Forum provides a festive atmosphere where residents, businesses and elected officials can learn what makes the regions water supplies special and how water resources can be protected into the future. 

This free, catered program is held every fall at the McHenry County College Auditorium and features presentations by scientists, planners, and engineers who specialize in water resources. 

 McHenry County College - Luecht Auditorium
8900 US Hwy 14, Building B
Crystal Lake, IL 60012

This is a popular event that is regularly attended by 100 to 200 enthusiastic residents, municipal staff, business leaders, and elected officials. By the end of the program, attendees have a more solid understanding about water resources in McHenry County and are better informed to make decisions affecting the water supplies we all depend on.

Since 2019, the Water Forums have been filmed and the videos are posted on the McHenry County YouTube page.  Links to the videos as well as copies of the presentations, Agenda's, speaker bio's, and menu's from past events are provided below.

   

2025 Water Forum

"Watersheds"

Watershed Planning for Water Quality, Flood Protection,
Land Use, and Resiliency in McHenry County

 Water Forum Presentations

 


 

2024 Water Forum

"Stormwater"

Water Quality, Flooding, Land Use, and Resiliency
in McHenry County

 Water Forum Presentations

    • Scott Kuykendall, Water Resources Specialist, McHenry Co. Planning & Dev.
      Water Quality, Flooding, Land Use, and Resiliency in McHenry County
    • Ryan Bieber, Urban Conservation Specialist, McHenry-Lake SWCD
      Preventing Soil Erosion and Sediment Pollution
    • Trent Ford, Illinois State Climatologist, Illinois State Water Survey
      Weather, Stormwater, and a Changing Climate in McHenry County
  • Video of 2024 Water Forum 
  • Agenda and Speaker Biographies 
  • Event Menu
  • Event Photos
  • Event Flyer

 

 

 

2023 Water Forum

"Water Conservation"

Our Wise Use of Water is Key to Life and Economic Health

 Water Forum Presentations

 

 

2022 Water Forum

"Your Water Quality"

Learning About Water Quality in McHenry County,
Keeping your Family Safe, and Appreciating our
Most Precious Resource

 

 

2021 Water Forum

Due to Covid, this event was held virtually to share information about
“McHenry County’s New Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP)” 

McHenry county’s water resources are vital and vulnerable…and deserve to be protected!

  • The presentations were professionally filmed onstage at the Woodstock Opera House, using multiple cameras to create a more visually engaging experience than a traditional webinar.

The three professionally filmed presentations by water resource professionals and scientists were followed by a live Q&A with each of the speakers:

Videos of the Water Forum and Individual Speakers are available below

Full Water Forum with Q&A

Scott Kuykendall, McHenry County Water Resources Specialist: Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP)

Amy Gahala, U.S. Geological Survey Hydrologist: Water Quality and Quantity in the Shallow Sand and Gravel Aquifers

Dr. Daniel Abrams, Illinois State Water Survey (ISWS) Hydro-Geologist: Water Quality and Quantity in the Deep Bedrock Aquifers

 

 For more information contact Scott Kuykendall, Water Resources Specialist

SHKuykendall@mchenrycountyil.gov

 

 

2019 Water Forum

The volume and intensity of rainfall is increasing, raising the potential of flooding for our homes and communities.  This year's Water Forum features an incredible line up of speakers to help you understand more about flooding in McHenry County, what to expect in the future, and how you and municipalities can adapt.

 

 

2018 Groundwater Field Trip and Water Forum

Groundwater Field Trip: This was a scenic road trip across the entire county led by Dr. Jason Thomason, a noted geologist from the Illinois State Geological Survey, who provided a first-hand view of how geologic events of the past shape our land and water today. The trip highlighted geologic features that shape our landscape and helped participants understand the landforms that make McHenry County a special place.  Dr. Thomason is an amazing scientist and educator who has worked extensively across the county.  We are grateful to Dr. Thomason, and the Illinois State Geological Survey for sharing their valuable time with us.

Water Forum: This FREE program began with delicious food served by Duke’s Ale House and Kitchen and opportunities to speak with the events sponsors that included water resource professionals, engineers, well-drillers, planners and conservationists. The Water Forum’s main event featured informative presentations by scientists, planners and engineers who specialize in water resources. 

 

 

 

2017 Water Forum