FREEPORT — The collaborative efforts of several area non-profit organizations is bringing a much-needed amenity — clean drinking water — to users of the Jane Addams Trail. New three-level drinking fountains have been installed and are available for use at Tutty’s Crossing Trailhead in downtown Freeport and at the N/W Block Trailhead four miles to the west. Until now, drinking water has only been available at Orangeville, and has often been requested by trail users.

The Jane Addams Trail continues into Wisconsin as the Badger State Trail, traveling through Clarno, Monroe, Monticello and Belleville all the way into Madison.

The fountain at the Wes Block Trailhead was the result of the combined efforts of the Northwest Illinois Trails Foundation, the Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation, volunteers, Elkay Corporation and Lyons Well Drilling. The well was drilled by Lyons Well Drilling to a depth of 160 feet with casing to a depth of 80 feet and has been tested to meet all applicable water quality standards. Water will be available for three seasons and winterized during the cold months of the year.

Both locations are equipped with a three-level ADA compliant weather resistant outdoor drinking fountain, a generous contribution by Elkay Corporation, an area manufacturing company headquartered in Downers Grove, Illinois. As an added convenience, each fountain includes the popular EZH2O bottle filling station.

The Northwest Illinois Trails Foundation provides financial support for all area trails through the generous donations of Trail supporters.

Friends of the Pecatonica River Foundation is dedicated to development of river access and use of the Pecatonica River water trail.