The Lake County Department of Utilities and Laketran recently collaborated to transform a transit bus into a mobile water dispenser.
The idea first took shape about one year ago when L:aaketran retired one of its Dial-A-Ride buses from standard use based on a federally regulated maintenance schedule.
Rather than auctioning the bus, Laketran partnered with the department to repurpose the vehicle.
Although the concept might appear simple, transforming a bus originally designed to transport people into a bus designed to transport hundreds of gallons of water required significant redesign and re-engineering, as seating was removed and retrofitted to hold a 250-gallon commercial grade water tank, water cooling system, and water bottle-filling dispenser.
According to the department, staff members Matt Hanusosky and Joe Elmore performed much of the work, and following additional planning and re-modifying, the “H2O-to-Go Bus” was born.
“This (initiative) not only represents a successful collaboration between two county entities, but it also exemplifies our commitment to promote the value oflake tr clean drinking water, reducing unnecessary waste in the form of single-use plastic bottles that would otherwise end up in our landfill,” said Lake County Department of Utilities Sanitary Engineer Randy Rothlisberger.
Laketran CEO Ben Capelle said the agency is excited to continue moving forward with unique projects.
“The Lake County Department of Utilities is not only about providing fresh water, but they also focus on recycling and this project provides a second life for our vehicle, which is why this collaboration is so fitting,” he added.
Officials noted that when not being used for events, the H2O-to-Go Bus will be used by the department for emergency purposes.
In addition to evacuating residents to safe locations, and providing a mobile warming station with their buses, the department will transport fresh drinking water on-site for those in crisis and first responders.
“This endeavor is something that will help those at community activities, parks or remote locations have access to water,” said Lake County Commissioner John Hamercheck.
Commissioners John Plecnik and Richard Regovich concurred.
“We are so proud of this new partnership between Laketran and our Department of Utilities to benefit all Lake County residents,” Plecnik said.
“This concept, provided for free to residents, is such a great way to keep Lake County healthy,” Regovich added.
The bus, the department confirmed, will be on-site at local events annually through September.
Those interested in having the H2O-to-Go bus at their events, can contact Lake County Department of Utilities Public Services Coordinator Patrick Stitts at 440-350-5766.
