Illinois American Water Announces Construction Project Completed at Water Treatment Plant in Village of Hardin

Rhea-AI Summary

Illinois American Water has completed the installation of a sodium permanganate chemical feed system at its water treatment plant in the Village of Hardin. This system aims to address long-standing aesthetic issues in the community's water supply by removing natural iron and manganese from the groundwater. Early indications show noticeable improvements in water discoloration. The project included installing a prefabricated building for chemical storage and adding feed and control equipment. While this is a positive step, Rachel Bretz, Director of Water Quality & Compliance, notes that additional time and steps are needed to fully address the issue. The company has also been upgrading fire hydrants in Hardin, with about 25% of all hydrants replaced or newly installed over the past year.

Positive

• Installation of sodium permanganate chemical feed system completed
• Early indications show noticeable improvement in water discoloration
• 25% of fire hydrants in Hardin replaced or newly installed over the past year

Negative

• Additional time and steps needed to fully address water quality issues
• Residual materials in water system may require flushing of all water mains

Insights

Environmental Engineer

The installation of a sodium permanganate chemical feed system at Illinois American Water's treatment plant in Hardin is a significant step towards improving water quality. This system targets the removal of iron and manganese, which have been causing long-standing aesthetic issues in the community's water supply. While the immediate results show promise, it's important to understand that this is not an instant solution.

The process of fully addressing the discoloration and taste issues will require time and additional steps, including a potential system-wide flushing of water mains. This comprehensive approach demonstrates a commitment to long-term water quality improvement. However, residents should be prepared for a gradual rather than immediate change in water aesthetics.

From an environmental perspective, this upgrade aligns with best practices in water treatment, potentially reducing the need for more aggressive chemical treatments in the future. The project's success could serve as a model for other communities facing similar water quality challenges.

Public Health Specialist

The implementation of the sodium permanganate feed system in Hardin's water treatment plant is a positive development for public health. By targeting iron and manganese removal, this upgrade addresses primarily aesthetic issues rather than health-related concerns. It's important to note that the water has consistently met regulatory standards, indicating its safety for consumption.

However, improvements in taste and appearance can have indirect health benefits. Better-tasting water may encourage increased water consumption among residents, contributing to overall hydration and health. Additionally, reducing discoloration can help build public trust in the water system, which is important for community health initiatives.

The gradual nature of the improvement process underscores the complexity of water system management. It also highlights the need for continued monitoring and potential adjustments to ensure optimal results. Public health officials should work closely with the water company to track progress and communicate updates to the community.

Financial Analyst

While this infrastructure upgrade is a positive step for Illinois American Water, its direct financial impact is likely to be in the short term. The investment in the sodium permanganate feed system and associated equipment represents a necessary capital expenditure to maintain and improve service quality. Such investments are typically factored into long-term financial planning for utility companies.

From an investor's perspective, this project demonstrates the company's commitment to infrastructure improvement and customer satisfaction. It may contribute to customer retention and potentially support future rate increase justifications. However, the immediate financial benefits are not substantial enough to significantly impact the company's overall financial performance.

The use of union contractors for the project aligns with industry norms but may have resulted in higher labor costs. Long-term, if the water quality improvements lead to reduced customer complaints and operational efficiencies, there could be a positive impact on the company's operational expenses and reputation, potentially supporting shareholder value.

Installation of sodium permanganate chemical feed system helps remove natural iron, manganese in the community water system.

HARDIN, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Installation of a sodium permanganate chemical feed system at Illinois American Water’s water treatment plant in the Village of Hardin was completed this summer. The sodium permanganate feed system has been operating successfully for the past month. Early indications show a noticeable improvement in the historic aesthetic discoloration issues throughout the community’s water system.

The installation of the sodium permanganate feed system is an important step to strategically address aesthetic issues in the Hardin community’s water system. Sodium permanganate is a chemical oxidant commonly used in community water treatment systems to control taste, odors, biological growth, zebra mussels, and to remove manganese and iron. It allows for better control of the natural iron and manganese levels that are present in the raw groundwater. Removing iron and manganese will help address the water’s historic aesthetic issues, including taste and appearance which have a long history in the community’s water system.

Illinois American Water monitors and tests the drinking water in the Village of Hardin continuously. Ongoing tests confirm the water in Hardin continues to meet all regulatory water quality standards.

According to Rachel Bretz, Illinois American Water’s Director of Water Quality & Compliance, the sodium permanganate chemical feed system is a positive step but it will not be an immediate fix. Said Bretz, “It will take additional time and other steps are needed to reduce the iron and manganese materials that are already present in the community’s water system. Once it is confirmed that iron and manganese levels are being reduced in treated water through the permanganate feed system, all water mains in the community may need to be flushed to reduce residual materials in the water system.”

The water treatment plant project included the installation of a prefabricated building to store additional sodium permanganate. This work was completed by Engineered Fluid, Inc. (Centralia). Work also included adding chemical feed and control equipment that was provided by Loellke Plumbing (Jerseyville) and Lowry Electric (Collinsville). All work on the project was completed by union contractors and employees.

Over the past year, in the Village of Hardin, seven fire hydrants have been replaced and eight new fire hydrants have been installed. That represents about 25 percent of all hydrants in the community. According to Brendan St. Peters, Senior Supervisor of Operations based in Jerseyville, a strategic plan on fire hydrant replacement or repair continues. “Illinois American Water and the local fire department maintain regular and consistent communication to provide quality fire protection in the community,” said St. Peters.

Hardin is a village and county seat of Calhoun County. It is located about 43 miles southeast of St. Louis, near Jerseyville.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.4 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240820946956/en/

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT

Anna Kubas, Senior Manager, External Communications

Illinois American Water

Anna.Kubas@amwater.com

Source: Illinois American Water

FAQ

What improvement has Illinois American Water (AWK) made to the Hardin water treatment plant?

Illinois American Water has installed a sodium permanganate chemical feed system at its water treatment plant in the Village of Hardin to help remove natural iron and manganese from the water supply.

How will the new chemical feed system benefit Hardin's water quality?

The sodium permanganate system is expected to improve the aesthetic issues in Hardin's water, including taste and appearance, by better controlling natural iron and manganese levels in the raw groundwater.

What additional work has Illinois American Water (AWK) done in Hardin recently?

Over the past year, Illinois American Water has replaced seven fire hydrants and installed eight new ones in Hardin, representing about 25% of all hydrants in the community.

Is the water in Hardin, Illinois currently safe to drink?

Yes, according to Illinois American Water, ongoing tests confirm that the drinking water in Hardin continues to meet all regulatory water quality standards.