Water cribs “collect water from close to the bottom of a lake to supply a pumping station onshore.” They’re called “cribs” not because they’re swank MTV-style homes, but rather because, like a baby’s crib, they surround and protect the intake shaft from any outside pollution or contamination. The water is collected and then transported via pipes 200 feet below the lake’s surface to pumping stations (like the Chicago Avenue pumping station) at purification plants at the shores of the lake, and from there the water continues on its fabulous journey which ends when you fill up your Brita pitcher at your kitchen sink. Copy provided by the Chicagoist.
Ralph Braseth 