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Executive Summary <br /> Inherent uncertainty in future growth and climate conditions can complicate decision-making <br /> regarding investments in water supply improvements. The goal of this study has been to analyze <br /> the City of Decatur's (City) water supply options and identify a path toward a future water <br /> supply portfolio that is reliable, resilient, and affordable. <br /> Average monthly water demands for the City and primary industrial users were projected <br /> out to year 2050 based on population projections and a statistical analysis of the relationships <br /> of per capita use and weather conditions. Hydrologic records were compiled and analyzed <br /> for historical drought periods. A 10-month duration design drought for Lake Decatur was <br /> produced by combining the early summer drought conditions of 2012 with the drought of record <br /> (1930-31). A water-budget model of Lake Decatur was developed, based on post-dredge lake <br /> volumes, hydrologic inputs, and lake withdrawals for water supply. The model was used to <br /> evaluate the supply gap. The supply gap is defined as the difference between water available <br /> in Lake Decatur amd the water demands during a drought. <br /> During the ten-month design drought, the water supply available from Lake Decatur with <br /> current minimum lake elevations will not meet the projected demand. An additional water <br /> supply of 3.1 billion gallons must be obtained. The largest additional source could be provided <br /> by Lake Decatur itself, by lowering the minimum lake level from the current elevation of 607 feet <br /> to 604 feet. This change in minimum operating level maximizes the benefits of the lake dredging <br /> project. This change will provide an additional supply of 1,670 MG. However, modifying the <br /> minimum lake level impacts operations of ADM's NWTP. Below a lake level of 607 feet, the <br /> NWTP intakes are inoperable. The result is that the City would have adequate supplies to <br /> meet potable demand from the SWTP, but ADM's non-potable supply would not be available. <br /> Currently, the City has access to an additional 880 million gallons (MG) in its water supply <br /> portfolio, which includes the DeWitt well field (630 MG) and the former Vulcan Pit (250 MG). <br /> Lake Tokorozawa (900 MG) has been used by the City as a drought supply in the past, but the <br /> lake is not equipped as a permanent supply. <br /> The portfolio that best meets the needs of the City will balance cost, reliability, resiliency, <br /> and stakeholder considerations. One recommended portfolio that would adequately address the <br /> combined (City and ADM) supply gap includes: <br /> • Lake Decatur 604 ft Minimum Operating Pool - Alternative 1A, <br /> • DeWitt Well Field Improvements- Alternative 2A, <br /> • Former Vulcan Gravel Pit Improvements - Alternative 3, and <br /> • Lake Tokorozawa Direct Intake - Alternative 4A <br /> Figure A illustrates the recommended portfolio that includes Lake Decatur, DeWitt Well Field, <br /> and Former Vulcan Gravel Pit, plus potential development of supplies from Lake Tokorozawa. <br /> i <br />