SPRINGFIELD – State Senator Laura Ellman advanced legislation that would target critical water issues and make appropriate recommendations to ensure the quality of local water resources.

“Water is a vital natural resource – we need to continue treating our local rivers, lakes and streams with care,” said Ellman (D-Naperville). “This measure will ensure recommendations from the State Water Plan Task Force are implemented in a sensible and timely manner.”

Senate Bill 2743 would require the State Water Plan Task Force to address water issues and reevaluate environmental needs by assisting state and local authorities in the implementation of recommended plans. The measure would also require the task force to publish a State Water Plan at least once every 10 years, meet once per quarter each calendar year.

“This task force is part of an ongoing, statewide effort to guarantee the safety and health of our environment for future generations,” said Ellman. “The partnership among state agencies in this task force ensures collaboration for true conservation of water, which creates a lasting impact on the protections for our state’s natural resources.”

Senate Bill 2743 passed the Senate Environment and Conservation Committee last Thursday and heads to the full Senate for consideration.