The current and future Chain of Lakes are valuable water management tools for Zone 7. Zone 7 currently owns Cope Lake and Lake I and uses these lakes for groundwater recharge. Zone 7 will eventually acquire additional lakes and use those for water supply reliability and flood management. Zone 7 values multi-benefit uses of our property and has always supported cities and park districts using our facilities for recreational purposes if they don’t interfere with our mission and provide measures to protect public’s health and safety.
The Chain of Lakes actively interacts with our groundwater basin. Zone 7 receives about 20% of its water from the groundwater basis and this important source of water is one of our primary sources of safe drinking water during droughts. To maintain and protect groundwater basin water quality from potential contamination sources, active recreation will likely not be a compatible use.
