Illinois American Water Investing over $2.7 Million in Pontiac Water System

Rhea-AI Summary

Illinois American Water is investing over $2.7 million to enhance the Pontiac area's water system, which includes rehabilitating six filters at the water treatment plant and replacing approximately 3,300 feet of water main. The filter upgrades, started in 2019, will ensure high-quality water service by 2021. The water main replacement, commencing mid-summer and expected to finish in the fall, will improve water flow and pressure, enhancing service reliability. Illinois American Water allocates $70-$125 million annually for infrastructure improvements across the state.

Positive

• Investment of over $2.7 million in the Pontiac water system enhances service reliability.
• Rehabilitation of six filters supports continued high-quality water service.
• Replacement of 3,300 feet of water main improves flow and pressure, assisting in fire protection.

Negative

• None.

Illinois American Water is investing over $2.7 million to upgrade the Pontiac area water system. Work includes rehabilitating six filters at the water treatment plant and replacing approximately 3,300 feet of water main. These investments support reliable service to homes, businesses, and for fire protection.

Filter Rehabilitation

Six filters will be rebuilt at the Pontiac water treatment plant to support continued high-quality water service for years to come. Work to rebuild six filters began in 2019 and will be completed in 2021.

Corey Robinson, operations superintendent for the Pontiac District explained, rehabilitation of the filters is a part of continuous improvements being made to the local water system. These types of investments are needed across the nation to maintain and upgrade community water and wastewater systems. Illinois American Water invests $70-$125 million annually in water and wastewater improvements across the state to address aging infrastructure.

Water Main Replacement

Approximately 3,300 feet of water main will be replaced in the Pontiac water system. The work will begin mid-summer along Water Street between Vermillion Street and Hazel Street and is expected to be completed in the fall. The existing 2-, 4- and 6-inch water mains are being replaced with 8-inch water main. Motorists should use caution in construction areas and obey traffic signs, detour routes and flaggers.

Robinson explained the upgrades include larger-sized water mains to support water flow and pressure for water quality and fire protection. “Through water main replacements we can address leaks, avoid water waste and continue providing safe, reliable service. Planned work of this nature is a safe, effective approach for our customers and employees.”

In 2020 the Pontiac water treatment plant and their water quality teams earned national recognition from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Partnership for Safe Water Program. They were awarded the Directors Award for maintaining a Phase III certification for 20 years. This award is based on peer-reviewed self-assessment of plant operations and water quality data.

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/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.

Illinois American Water Ranked Highest in Customer Satisfaction
with Large Water Utilities in the Midwest for Two Years in a Row.
For J.D. Power 2021 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20210519005663/en/

FAQ

What is the investment amount by Illinois American Water for the Pontiac area water system?

Illinois American Water is investing over $2.7 million to upgrade the Pontiac area water system.

When did the filter rehabilitation work begin at the Pontiac water treatment plant?

The filter rehabilitation work began in 2019 and is expected to be completed in 2021.

How much water main is being replaced in the Pontiac water system?

Approximately 3,300 feet of water main will be replaced in the Pontiac water system.

What annual investment does Illinois American Water make for water infrastructure improvements?

Illinois American Water invests between $70 million and $125 million annually for infrastructure improvements across the state.

What recognition did the Pontiac water treatment plant receive for its water quality?

In 2020, the Pontiac water treatment plant earned the Directors Award from the American Water Works Association for maintaining Phase III certification for 20 years.