Illinois American Water Announces Investment of Over $3 Million in Sterling Water System During National Infrastructure Week

Rhea-AI Summary

Illinois American Water is investing over $3 million to replace 8,600 feet of water main in Sterling. This upgrade aims to enhance water flow, pressure, and overall service reliability for consumers and fire protection. The project begins this week in multiple locations, including Northland Park Apartments. The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to address aging infrastructure, supported by insights from the American Society of Civil Engineers Report Card, which highlights the need for significant investments in water systems.

Positive

• Investment of over $3 million to upgrade water main infrastructure.
• Replacement of 1.6 miles of water main to improve water flow and pressure.
• Proactive approach to addressing aging infrastructure, indicating long-term planning.

Negative

• None.

Recent American Society of Civil Engineers Report Card Supports Continued Investment

STERLING, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Illinois American Water is investing over $3 million to replace over 8,600 feet, or 1.6 miles, of water main throughout the Sterling water system. This work supports continued reliable service to homes, businesses and fire hydrants. Much of the water main installed will be larger in size to support water flow and pressure for continued water quality and fire protection.

The work in Sterling is expected to start this week and will occur in the following areas:

• Northland Park Apartments
• 15^th Avenue between E. 6^th Street and E. 14^th Street
• 29^th St. between Avenue E and Locust St.
• W. 7^th St. between Locust and Avenue I

According to Charlotte Dunne, superintendent of operations, announcing this work during National Infrastructure Week “is an opportunity to highlight the need for investment in aging infrastructure.” American Water recently conducted a survey to better understand the knowledge gaps when it comes to water infrastructure. The results highlighted how much there is to learn when it comes to education on our water systems. To learn more visit American Water’s News Flow.

Dunne explained the company works to replace water mains annually to keep up with aging infrastructure. She referenced the 2021 results from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Report Card for America’s infrastructure, which supports increased investments in our nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The ASCE Report Card has been issued every four years since 2001, last year ASCE gave the nation’s drinking water systems a C- and wastewater systems a D+ grade.

Dunne said, “These grades don’t represent Illinois American Water because of our continued, annual investment, but the findings do support our approach to update infrastructure and the need to move quickly on investments to enhance the resiliency on water systems for health, safety and local economies.”

While construction is occurring motorist should use caution when driving in the construction areas and obey traffic signs, detour routes and flaggers. Customers affected by a water main replacement project will be notified via a letter about the impact and any necessary steps. The letter will include a local contact for questions. In addition, Illinois American Water and the contractor(s) on the projects will provide continuous updates as work occurs. These updates may be provided via door hangers as well as via Illinois American Water’s customer notification system which contact customers via phone, phone and text, or email based on the customer preferences.

About Illinois American Water – Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE:AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER WAS RANKED HIGHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH LARGE WATER UTILITIES IN THE MIDWEST THREE YEARS IN A ROW!
For J.D. Power 2022 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20220516005948/en/

Media: Karen Cotton, Sr. Manager External Communications, Karen.Cotton@amwater.com

Source: Illinois American Water

FAQ

What is Illinois American Water's investment in Sterling?

Illinois American Water is investing over $3 million to replace over 8,600 feet of water main in Sterling.

When will the water main replacement project start?

The water main replacement project is expected to start this week.

How does the ASCE Report Card relate to Illinois American Water?

The ASCE Report Card highlights the need for investment in infrastructure, which supports Illinois American Water's approach to updating its water systems.

What areas will the construction affect in Sterling?

Construction will occur in Northland Park Apartments and along several streets, including 15th Avenue and 29th Street.

How does Illinois American Water communicate with customers during construction?

Customers affected by the project will receive notification letters and continuous updates through door hangers and the customer notification system.