Illinois American Water Continues Investing in Alton’s Water and Wastewater Infrastructure

Rhea-AI Summary

Illinois American Water has invested over $34 million in water and wastewater infrastructure improvements in the Alton District over the past two years. Major projects include a $6.4 million ultraviolet water treatment system installation, a $23.5 million Piasa Valley sewer separation project, a $3.11 million wastewater plant effluent line rehabilitation, and a $1.8 million water main replacement along 9th Street. The improvements aim to enhance water quality, reliability, and customer service while meeting EPA regulations and addressing mandatory Long-Term Control Plan requirements.

Positive

• Significant infrastructure investment of $34 million demonstrates strong commitment to system improvements
• Implementation of state-of-the-art UV treatment technology enhances water quality without additional chemicals
• Completion of major sewer separation project improving system efficiency and environmental compliance
• Successful rehabilitation of critical wastewater infrastructure

Negative

• High capital expenditure requirements for regulatory compliance
• Ongoing infrastructure maintenance costs

Insights

Infrastructure Investment Analyst

The $34 million infrastructure investment program by Illinois American Water demonstrates significant commitment to system modernization. The comprehensive upgrade package includes critical components:

• UV treatment facility ($6.4 million) enhancing water quality compliance
• Major sewer separation project ($23.5 million) addressing EPA mandates
• Wastewater plant improvements ($3.11 million)
• Water main replacement ($1.8 million)

These investments strengthen system reliability and regulatory compliance while reducing environmental impact. The UV treatment implementation is particularly noteworthy as it provides additional safety measures without chemical usage. The sewer separation project's scope, including 17,980 feet of new piping and 126 manholes, significantly improves system capacity and reduces overflow risks.

Over $34 million invested in water and wastewater systems in the past two years

ALTON, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Illinois American Water continues to invest in its water and wastewater infrastructure in the Alton District. Recent projects include the installation of ultraviolet treatment equipment at the Alton water treatment plant, the sewer separation project in downtown Alton, and a water main replacement along 9^th Street between Atkinson Avenue and Market Street.

“Our focus in the Alton District, and throughout the state, continues to be to proactively invest in our water and wastewater systems to maintain high levels of water quality, reliability and customer service,” said Brent O’Neill, Director of Engineering, Illinois American Water.

Recent major projects in the Alton District include:

Ultraviolet Water Treatment Improvements

This project was completed in accordance with a change in Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) regulations that require additional water treatment at the Alton Water Treatment Plant to effectively treat the raw Mississippi River water entering the plant. The project installed state-of-the-art equipment that uses ultraviolet light to treat raw water for bacteria and natural microorganisms that could be present in the raw water from the Mississippi River. The UV treatment equipment adds an additional treatment step to the overall water treatment process without the use of additional chemicals and is a highly effective, environmentally-friendly solution in water treatment.

Plocher Construction of Highland performed the work. Construction started 2020 and the facilities were certified by the Illinois EPA in 2022. The project cost was $6.4 million.

Piasa Valley Sewer Separation Project

This project continued the efforts to reduce the impact of stormwater within the sewer system as required by Illinois EPA and is part of the $31.8 million investment within the City of Alton to address the mandatory Long-Term Control Plan which includes separating portions of the sanitary sewer system from the stormwater system.

Components of the project included installation of 17,980 feet of new sewer piping and 126 new sanitary manholes and improved 10,127 feet of sewer customers lateral service lines within the Piasa Valley area of Alton. The project also stabilized and repaired sections of the 1837 Piasa Tunnel that will continue to be an important part of the stormwater system in Alton. Construction started in 2021 and was completed in August 2024.

KAMEX Excavating of Granite City, along with engineering support from Sheppard, Morgan and Schwaab of Alton, performed the work. The project cost was $23.5 million.

Alton Wastewater Plant Effluent Line Rehabilitation Project

This project rehabilitated 4,716 of the 42-inch pipe that transmitted treated water to the Mississippi River from the Alton Wastewater Plant. The project installed a 42-inch cured-in- place liner to stabilize the existing effluent line and made additional improvements to manholes and flow control devices. Construction started in 2023, and the improvements were completed in early 2024. The project cost was $3.11 million. Tarlton Corporation of St Louis performed the work.

9^th Street Water Main Replacement Project

This project replaced 1,500 lineal feet of 1896 cast iron main with ductile iron pipe along 9^th Street in Alton between Atkinson Avenue and Market Street. The project started in late 2023, and was completed in early 2024. KAMEX Excavating of Granite City performed the work. The project cost was $1.8 million.

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/20241023886183/en/

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT

Anna Kubas, Senior Manager, External Communications

Illinois American Water

Anna.Kubas@amwater.com

Source: Illinois American Water

FAQ

How much has Illinois American Water invested in Alton's infrastructure since 2022?

Illinois American Water has invested over $34 million in Alton's water and wastewater infrastructure improvements over the past two years.

What was the cost of the UV treatment project at Alton's water treatment plant?

The ultraviolet water treatment project at the Alton water treatment plant cost $6.4 million.

When was the Piasa Valley Sewer Separation Project completed?

The Piasa Valley Sewer Separation Project was completed in August 2024.

What is the total investment for Alton's Long-Term Control Plan?

The mandatory Long-Term Control Plan for Alton requires a $31.8 million investment to separate portions of the sanitary sewer system from the stormwater system.