Why we work on it
We believe that everyone in Illinois should have access to clean water. The water campaign works with vulnerable communities across the state, from the Southeast Side of Chicago to rural communities hurt by factory farm operations called CAFOs. We work on a number of different sources of dirty water and fight to ensure all communities have access to clean water regardless of race, class, and location.
What we're working on
Permit Tracking - Sierra Club Illinois is the only organization in Illinois tracking all of the Illinois EPA's water permits issued under the Clean Water Act. We work with a small team of volunteers to flag violations and determine if legal action needs to be taken.
Legislation - Sierra Club has fought for laws that protect the waters of our whole state. Recently, we've passed laws that remove dangerous lead water pipes, build a state water plan to address critical water issues, and keep dangerous chemicals like PFAS out of our water sources. We also are working with environmental justice organizations to address the legacy of harm that has compromised human health and their local environments.
Community organizing - Sierra Club works with local communities when a threat to their water arises. We've worked with communities to address urban flooding, contaminated well water, water affordability and water shut offs, disasters that impact water quality, and developments that threaten local wetlands.
Who we work with
We work with urban and rural communities, state agencies, environmental agencies, and local volunteers to ensure acess to clean water for all!