Report on Water Infrastructure Upgrade in Eastwood Manor, Illinois: A Case Study in Achieving Sustainable Development Goals

Addressing Deficiencies in SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• For an extended period, residents of the Eastwood Manor community in McHenry County were denied access to safe and clean water, a fundamental target of Sustainable Development Goal 6.
• The primary issue was a water supply contaminated with high levels of iron, resulting in significant discoloration and compromising its quality for consumption and domestic use.
• Official records from the Environmental Protection Agency substantiated the problem, showing iron levels that were classified as “unsatisfactory” by state health authorities, indicating a clear failure to meet basic water quality standards.

Consequences for SDG 3 (Good Health and Well-being) and SDG 11 (Sustainable Communities)

• The persistent water quality issue had direct negative impacts on the community’s health and well-being, a cornerstone of SDG 3. Residents reported that the water stained toilets, showers, and clothing, and diminished the effectiveness of soap, leading to potential skin irritation.
• This failure to provide a basic service undermined the community’s viability and quality of life, running counter to the objectives of SDG 11, which seeks to create inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable human settlements.
• The necessity for residents to cope with discolored and foul-smelling water for cooking, cleaning, and drinking created significant distress and eroded confidence in essential public services.

Investment in Resilient Infrastructure: A Pathway to SDG 9 and SDG 11

1. In response to long-standing resident complaints and public reporting, the utility provider, Aqua Illinois, launched a targeted infrastructure improvement project.
2. A $1.7 million investment was allocated to the project, demonstrating a commitment to building quality, reliable, and resilient infrastructure in line with SDG 9 (Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure).
3. The central component of the upgrade was the construction and installation of a new, modern iron removal filtration system designed specifically to address the contamination source.
4. This capital improvement project directly contributes to the targets of SDG 11 by upgrading basic infrastructure and enhancing the quality of life for the community.

Successful Outcomes and Progress Towards Sustainable Development

• The infrastructure project has successfully restored clean water to the Eastwood Manor community, with residents confirming the complete elimination of discoloration and odor.
• This resolution marks a significant achievement in fulfilling the mandate of SDG 6 by ensuring access to safe and affordable drinking water for all residents in the affected area.
• By rectifying the long-standing problem, the project has tangibly improved the daily health, hygiene, and overall well-being of the community, thereby advancing the aims of SDG 3.
• The successful upgrade serves as a powerful example of how targeted investment in infrastructure can directly support the creation of more sustainable and resilient communities as envisioned in the Sustainable Development Goals.

Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed

SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation

• The article’s central theme is the provision of clean and safe drinking water to the residents of Eastwood Manor. The community’s struggle with yellow, rust-colored water due to high iron levels directly relates to the core mission of SDG 6, which aims to ensure the availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.

SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being

• While the Illinois Department of Health stated that iron is not hazardous, the article introduces a health dimension by quoting a doctor who mentioned that high iron levels can “make soap much less effective, and it leaves a residue on your skin that can be irritating.” This connects the water quality issue to the well-being and health of the residents, which is the focus of SDG 3.

SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities

• This goal is relevant as it addresses access to basic services for communities. The article highlights a failure in providing a fundamental service—clean water—to the unincorporated community of Eastwood Manor. The subsequent $1.7 million infrastructure project to rectify this issue is a direct action towards making communities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient, and sustainable.

Specific SDG Targets Identified

1. Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.

   The residents of Eastwood Manor were paying for water that was not safe or acceptable for daily use (cooking, cleaning, drinking) due to its color, smell, and high iron content. The resolution of this problem through the installation of a new filtration system is a direct step towards achieving this target for the affected community.

2. Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution.

   The high levels of iron in the water supply represent a form of contamination that degraded its quality. The article explicitly states that Aqua Illinois installed “new iron removal filters” as part of a “$1.7 million infrastructure improvement project.” This action directly aligns with the goal of improving water quality by treating contaminants.

3. Target 3.9: Substantially reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water and soil pollution and contamination.

   The mention of potential skin irritation from the iron residue connects the poor water quality to health outcomes. By eliminating the high iron levels, the project reduces the community’s exposure to a water contaminant that could cause minor health issues, thereby contributing to this target.

4. Target 11.1: Ensure access for all to adequate, safe and affordable housing and basic services.

   Access to clean water is a basic service. The article details a multi-year failure to provide this service adequately to the Eastwood Manor community. The investment and infrastructure upgrade by Aqua Illinois represent a crucial effort to ensure the provision of this basic service, making the community more sustainable and livable.

Indicators for Measuring Progress

1. Levels of iron in the water supply.

   The article implies this quantitative indicator by mentioning that Environmental Protection Agency records showed “high levels of iron” and that Aqua Illinois stated the levels were “initially 10 times worse.” A reduction in the measured concentration of iron (in parts per million, for example) would be a direct indicator of progress towards Target 6.3.

2. Qualitative assessment of water quality by residents.

   The article provides clear before-and-after qualitative indicators based on resident experiences. Before the fix, the indicators were negative: “yellow water,” “rust-colored water,” and a “smell.” After the installation of the filtration system, the indicators became positive: “Like clear, very noticeable, like night and day,” and “There is no yellow water at all anymore.” Resident satisfaction is a key implied indicator.

3. Investment in water infrastructure.

   The article explicitly states the value of the investment made to solve the problem: a “$1.7 million infrastructure improvement project.” This financial figure serves as a concrete indicator of the resources allocated to improve basic services, relevant to Target 11.1.

4. Incidence of water-related health complaints.

   The doctor’s comment about skin irritation implies that the number of residents reporting such issues could serve as a health-related indicator. A decrease in complaints about skin irritation after the water quality improvement would indicate progress towards Target 3.9.

Summary Table of SDGs, Targets, and Indicators

Source: abc7chicago.com