Local Organization Stepping Up To Provide Resources and Educational Materials That Empower Residents and Ensure Safer Drinking Water

CHICAGO – Now more than ever, families and communities rely on organizations to help them make smarter choices, manage household expenses, put food on the table, and stay healthy. Local organizations and municipalities are stepping up to provide resources and educational materials that empower residents to take practical steps toward energy savings, improve home efficiency, and ensure safer drinking water.

National nonprofit Elevate, launching Flow Forward, a quarterly campaign focused on water safety, lead prevention, lowering household costs, and expanding access to critical resources. Elevate partners with Cook County Government and other local municipalities to protect families through safer water initiatives.

On May 4, Chicago will officially kick off Water Week, an annual effort that brings together organizations across the region to educate children, families, and communities about protecting water resources. Programming for Water Week will include the Early Lessons, Lasting Impact: Cook County’s Water Affordability and Lead in Water Initiatives virtual panel discussion on Monday, May 4 from 12-1 p.m. Register here to attend.

Other activities include identifying plumbing leaks, preventing contamination, and hosting community events designed to inspire, inform, and connect residents.

“Water safety and affordability programs are like LeadCare Cook County and the Cook County Water Affordability Program are crucial, effective tools to support a safe and healthy environment for all residents,” said Dominic Tocci, deputy bureau chief at the Cook County Bureau of Economic Development and a scheduled participant on the Early Lessons, Lasting Impact panel. “We’re proud of the good work these programs have accomplished across the County and appreciate our partnership with Elevate.”

Building on this momentum, Elevate is expanding the impact with its Flow Forward campaign, running from May through August, to deepen community education and engagement around water safety and sustainability.

“Safe water is at the heart of healthy communities. It supports children, schools, and local businesses, but it does not happen by accident. It depends on strong systems, ongoing investment, and careful monitoring by municipalities,” said Elevate CEO Dr. Anne Evens. “That is why initiatives like Flow Forward are helping communities maintain reliable water systems. When those systems work, families can plan with confidence, communities are healthier, and local economies grow stronger. The solutions are within reach: fixing leaks, upgrading aging infrastructure, and supporting families who need it most.”

The Flow Forward campaign will focus on educating communities about water protection, public health, and access to safe drinking water. It will also highlight solutions related to water systems and infrastructure, promote workforce development opportunities through contractor and training programs, and connect families to technical assistance that can help reduce costs and improve home safety. Cook County participates in various water-related programs and services in partnership with Elevate including LeadCare Cook County and LeadCare Illinois, among others.

“Access to safe, affordable water is a basic need—and when water is unavailable or unsafe, the impacts are felt across children, families, and entire communities,” said Caroline Pakenham, Director of Water Programs at Elevate. “Through initiatives like Flow Forward—starting with an educational webinar during Water Week—and in partnership with municipalities and other government agencies, Elevate is helping connect residents to resources that can lower water costs, replace lead service lines, and protect public health. Continued investment and collaboration are essential to expanding access to these critical services.”

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