Our region’s water resources Abundant and high-quality water resources play an essential role in sustaining economic prosperity, environmental health, and quality of life in the Chicago region. Our region’s waterways provide one of the great recreational systems in the country. While simultaneously transporting goods, both nationally and globally. Yet, despite our status as a water-rich region, we often fail to recognize the real and inherent value of this globally scarce resource. As a result, the region continues to suffer major flood damage on an annual basis, degraded aquatic systems across the majority of the region, and water shortages in areas that are growing the fastest. ON TO 2050 sets a goal to recognize, value, and manage water as a singular resource that could be almost infinitely reusable if managed properly. ON TO 2050 related recommendations Click to read Reduce flood risk to protect people and assets Environment Click to read Coordinate and conserve shared water supply resources Environment Click to read Protect and enhance the integrity of aquatic systems Environment