Chicago's Quantum Ambitions Come With a Water Question

Residents near the planned Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park raise concerns about the project's water use.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

Illinois Answers examines the potential water use of the planned 128-acre Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP) in South Chicago. While officials say the project will not directly draw water from Lake Michigan, the quantum microchip facility and other operations at the site will require significant amounts of purified water. Residents are concerned about the project's water demands, and IQMP leaders have not provided a clear estimate of the site's total water usage.

Why it matters

The IQMP project represents a major public investment aimed at developing the quantum computing industry in Chicago. However, the project's water needs have raised concerns among nearby residents, who want to understand the full environmental impact of the development. The issue highlights the challenges of balancing economic development goals with community concerns over natural resource use.

The details

The IQMP is a planned 128-acre development where startups will work to build the world's first commercially viable quantum computer. While officials say the site will not directly draw water from Lake Michigan, the project will require large amounts of purified water for manufacturing quantum microchips and cooling machinery. IQMP leaders have not provided a specific estimate of the site's total water usage, but have said it will be far less than major chip fabrication plants that can use millions of gallons per day. The project's focus is on quantum technology rather than large-scale conventional microchip production, but a larger buildout of microelectronics manufacturing could increase water demand.

  • The first phase of the project, the PsiQuantum building, is scheduled to be complete by 2027.
  • ComEd has said the 128-acre site, once complete, could reach a peak demand of 350 megawatts of power.

The players

Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP)

A 128-acre development in South Chicago where startups will work to build the world's first commercially viable quantum computer.

Harley Johnson

The CEO of IQMP, who has said the planned quantum microchip facility would operate at a much smaller scale than major chip fabrication plants.

Kristin Richards

The director of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, who has said Illinois is actively courting microchip, semiconductor, and quantum computing industries by offering incentives.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Think of a conventional (fabrication) facility and divide it by 1,000, to give you a sense.”

— Harley Johnson, IQMP CEO (illinoisanswers.org)

“We have access to water. We have access to energy. We have access to the workforce. We are very much open for business.”

— Kristin Richards, Director, Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (illinoisanswers.org)

What’s next

As plans for the site develop and new companies are recruited, water and energy use should become clearer. IQMP officials have said once quantum computers come online, they will use less energy than data centers.

The takeaway

The IQMP project's water needs have raised concerns among nearby residents, highlighting the challenge of balancing economic development goals with community concerns over natural resource use. As the project moves forward, transparent communication about its environmental impact will be crucial.