The Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP) 2020 Update

Adopted by The McHenry County Board on November 17, 2020

WRAP 2020 Update Summary

The county and its residents are privileged to have inherited high quality water resources including lakes, rivers, streams, and wetlands as well as several different groundwater aquifers that provide sources of drinking water. The scale and quality of these resources are unique and contribute to an attractive quality of life for our residents, businesses, and visitors.

McHenry County relies exclusively on groundwater for all its potable water needs, so protecting the aquifers is critically important. Although seemingly abundant, our water resources are vulnerable, and can be depleted or polluted depending on how water is used, land is managed, chemicals and pollutants are controlled, and habitat is protected.

Starting in April of 2019, the McHenry County Department of Planning and Development has worked with a Task Force of diverse stakeholders to update the county's Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP). The WRAP 2020 Update explains:

• Where McHenry County’s water comes from
• What threats challenge our water quality and quantity
• How to protect our water resources

By incorporating the latest science, trends, and analyses the WRAP 2020 Update will help empower communities in McHenry County to protect, preserve, and enhance water resources for current and future generations.

New Published Version of the
Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP) 2020 Update

A published version of the WRAP that features rich graphics and representative photos from around the county is now available online. The online WRAP also features bookmarks that allow users to easily navigate through the document and access topics that are of most interest to them.

The WRAP consists of four separate Sections:
(1) Introduction; ( 2)  Water Resources; (3) Significant Water Issues; (4) Land Uses

A PDF of each Section can be downloaded by clicking on the Section Title below.

Bookmarks can be turned on in most internet browsers (Chrome, Firefox, Edge) using the icons in the top left corner of the PDF (Safari does not appear to support the PDF Bookmarks).

Section I: Introduction

                Cover

                Acknowledgments

                Executive Summary

                1. McHenry County Environment

                2. McHenry County Demographics

                3. McHenry County Land Use

Section II: Water Resources

                4. General Water Resources

                5. Water Resources of McHenry County

                6. Water Quality

                7. Water Conservation

Section III: Significant Water Issues

                8. Climate Change

                9. Flooding

                10. Drought

                11. Green Infrastructure

Section IV: Land Uses

                12. Residential and Commercial Development

                13. Industrial Development

                14. Transportation

                15. Agriculture

                16. Open Space

                17. Recreation

                18. Golf Courses

Sidebars - Case Studies 

Water Resources of McHenry County Video (2021 Water Forum)

• Water Resources of McHenry County Video

WRAP Overview Presentation 

• Overview of the Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP) 2020 Update 

For more information contact Scott Kuykendall, Water Resources Specialist

SHKuykendall@mchenrycountyil.gov 

WRAP Task Force Meeting Information

Water Resources Action Plan (WRAP) 2011

County Board WRAP Resolution -  October 18, 2011 
 
WRAP - Table of Contents  
 
WRAP - Section 1 - Overview  
 
WRAP - Section 2 - Water Quantity and Quality

Appendices 

• Appendix 2.1 - Sensitive Aquifer Recharge Areas Map 
• Appendix 2.2 - Overview of SARA Map (To be Developed) 
• Appendix 2.3 - SARA Map Descriptor 
• Appendix 2.4 - Potential Source of Contamination Categorized by Land Use (U.S. EPA, 2003) 
• Appendix 2.5 - Wisconsin Runoff Rules NR 151 Subchapter III 
• Appendix 2.6 - Suggested program Outline for Fall Training Sessions (To be Developed) 
• Appendix 2.7 - Wisconsin Phosphorus Ordinance 
• Appendix 2.8 - Coal Tar Exemption Form 
• Appendix 2.9 - Federal Study of PAH Health Effects  from Pavement 

Attachments  

• Attachment 2.1 - State and Federal Regulated Contaminants 
• Attachment 2.2 - Consumer Confidence Report (To be Developed) 
• Attachment 2.3 - Source Water Assessment Summary 
• Attachment 2.4 - Drinking Water Report 
• Attachment 2.5 - County Regulations for Abandoned Wells 
• Attachment 2.6 - Illinois Water Use Act of 1983 
• Attachment 2.7 - Cross-Connection Control Rules  and Regulations 
• Attachment 2.8 - Water Use Reporting Standards 
• Attachment 2.9 - Conservation Design Standards and Procedures 
• Attachment 2.10 - McHenry County Natural Areas Map (To be Developed) 
• Attachment 2.11 - McHenry County Snow and Ice Control Handbook 
• Attachment 2.12 - Winter Parking Lot and Sidewalk Maintenance Manual 
• Attachment 2.13 - Operator's Flip Chart 
• Attachment 2.14 - Snowfighter's Handbook 
• Attachment 2.15 - Water Reuse Model Ordinance 
• Attachment 2.16 - State Experiences with Graywater (To be Developed) 
• Attachment 2.17 - Pollution Prevention Model Ordinance  
• Attachment 2.18 - Environmental Protection Agency - Envirofacts Master Chemical Integrator: Chemical References Index 
• Attachment 2.19 - Hazardous Substances List from Village of Fox River Grove 
• Attachment 2.20 - Phosphorous Model Ordinance 
• Attachment 2.21 - Coal Tar Sealants Model Ordinance 
• Attachment 2.22 - Loss of Water Guidelines 
• Attachment 2.23 - Information on the Illinois Water and Wastewater Response Network 
• Attachment 2.24 - Information on the Illinois Water and Wastewater Response Network 
• Attachment 2.25 - Sample IPWMAN Mutual Aid Agreement  and Ordinance 
• Attachment 2.26 - Urban Drought Guidebook 

WRAP - Section 3 - Water Conservation

Appendices  

• Appendix 3.1 - Reference Used to Develop Section 3, Golf  Course Recommendations 
• Appendix 3.2 - Examples of Homeowners and Businesses  Best Management 
• Appendix 3.3 - Examples of Homeowners and Businesses Best Management 
• Appendix 3.4 - Examples of Sustainable Landscape Certification Checklist 
• Appendix 3.5 - Examples of Sustainable Landscape Certification Checklist 
• Appendix 3.6 - Calculating Indoor and Outdoor Water Use 
• Appendix 3.7 - Examples of Conservation Oriented Rates 
• Section 3 - Water Conservation: Agencies,  Associations, and Organization Acronyms

WRAP - Section 4 - Water Education and Outreach Brochures

• Floodplains
• Household Hazardous Waste
• Lawn Care
• Medication Disposal 
• Rain Gardens and Xeriscaping
• Water Conservation
• Wetlands
• Winter Snow and Ice Removal
   

WRAP - References and Resources

WRAP - Glossary 
 
WRAP - Model Resolution for Municipalities