The water-energy nexus refers to the relationship between how much water is used to generate and transmit energy, and how much energy it takes to collect, clean, move, store, and dispose of water. The dependence of the electric power grid on water varies based on generation technology (i.e., prime mover), fuel source, cooling technology, and climate. By one estimate, 49\% of all U.S. water withdrawals are used for thermoelectric cooling, with the state of Illinois ranking second overall in terms of thermoelectric-cooling withdrawal.This work proposes the introduction of water-dependency variables into existing electric grid analysis, specifically for the state of Illinois. The goal is to more explicitly examine how the changes in water use and availability affect electric grid operation and reliability. Collections of relevant electric grid and water data are publicly available, but minimal work has been done in combining these datasets for electric grid analysis. A synthetic electric grid model of the state of Illinois was augmented with water parameters which quantify the interdependent nature of water and energy adequacy in terms of cost and reliability. Using Illinois climate data, reliability analysis was able to develop a probabilistic parameter that characterized a generator's potential for operating at a reduced capacity due to weather conditions. In addition, a cost parameter was developed by measuring the volume of water used for power plant cooling and the cost of water acquisition. This cost was added to the fuel cost of electricity in order to quantify, in terms of profits and bidding strategies, a power plant's dependence on cooling water availability.
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