Springfield
System Information
System Description
Lake Springfield, an impounding reservoir on the Sangamon River, is the primary source. Water from the South Fork of the Sangamon River can be pumped into the lake to help meet the city's 1996-2005 average daily use of 21.6 mgd. Springfield's coal power plants use roughly 6.9 mgd for ash sluicing and 2.4 mgd more for forced lake evaporation from heated discharges.
Satellite Communities and Water Districts
Chatham, Curran-Gardner Township, Grandview, Jerome, Leland Grove, Loami, Rochester, Sherman, Southern View, Sugar Creek PWD, and Williamsville
Population Served: |
133000 |
County: |
Sangamon |
Watersheds: |
Sangamon |
Water Source
| Name |
Type |
Stream |
DA (sq mi) |
SA (ac) |
Capacity |
Year Est. |
Est. 2010 Cap. (ac-ft) |
| Lake Springfield |
IR |
Sugar Cr |
265 |
4000 |
51245 |
2004 |
50280 |
| S Fk Sangamon |
RW |
S Fk Sangamon R |
867 |
|
|
|
|
1989 Study: |
50-year drought yield insufficient at present level of water use. |
USGS Gages: |
S Fk Sangamon River near Rochester (16791260) |
Developments since 1989:
Mandatory restrictions were last implemented in 1988 and lowered high summer demand rate by 15%. In 2005, Lake Springfield received 2,173 mg from the South Fork of the Sangamon River to maintain lake levels. The proposed Hunter Lake (46,000 ac-ft) would provide an additional 19 mgd supply. Chatham is considering switching to a groundwater source.
Note: *Includes pumpage from the South Fork of the Sangamon River at its confluence with Horse Creek.
Notes and Terminology
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