Groundwater running out in northeastern Illinois
(Chicago Tribune Religion News)

Less than 50 miles away from one of the largest freshwater systems on Earth, groundwater is running out. Joliet is the latest city to give up on the deep aquifers, voting last month to tap into Lake Michigan water provided by Chicago. In northeastern Illinois, more water has been drained from the aquifers than is replenished, causing water levels to drop to depths where costs and complications may render wells inoperable.