Illinois American Water President Addresses New ASCE Report Card, Urges More Investment in Critical Water Infrastructure

Rhea-AI Summary

Illinois American Water President Rebecca Losli addressed the concerning grades of C- for water and D+ for wastewater infrastructure in the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2025 Report Card. The report shows no improvement over the past four years, highlighting critical infrastructure challenges.

To address these issues, American Water plans to invest $40-$42 billion across their national systems over the next decade. In Illinois specifically, the company has invested $2 billion since 2013 in water and wastewater infrastructure, with $277.63 million invested in 2024.

According to the U.S. Water Alliance, every $1 million invested in water infrastructure creates 15.5 jobs. Based on this metric, Illinois American Water's 2024 investments supported approximately 4,300 jobs in Illinois.

Positive

• Significant planned investment of $40-$42 billion over next decade
• Strong track record of infrastructure investment with $2 billion since 2013
• Substantial 2024 capital investment of $277.63 million
• Created 4,300 jobs in Illinois through 2024 infrastructure investments

Negative

• No improvement in infrastructure grades over last four years (C- water, D+ wastewater)
• Urgent need for over $1 trillion in infrastructure investments nationwide
• Continuing infrastructure challenges in Illinois

BELLEVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water, issued the following statement in response to the grades of C- for water and D+ wastewater in the American Society of Civil Engineers' (ASCE) 2025 Report Card for America’s Infrastructure.

“The ASCE 2025 Report Card reveals no change or improvement over the last four years – America's drinking water and wastewater infrastructure is stagnant. The Report Card highlights the urgent need for significant investment in water and wastewater infrastructure, not just across the nation, but also here in Illinois,” said Losli. “Our state continues to face challenges when it comes to investing in critical infrastructure, particularly in these sectors.”

With over a trillion dollars in infrastructure investments needed in water and wastewater across the country over the next two decades, American Water continues to work with local, state and federal leaders to provide expertise and investment in communities across Illinois that need to strengthen their water systems.

Over the next ten years, American Water plans to invest $40-$42 billion in our systems across the country to help ensure safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water and wastewater service.

Since 2013, Illinois American Water has invested $2 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure to address aging infrastructure, safety, and to meet EPA standards. The company’s capital investment for 2024 was $277.63 million. There is an economic ripple effect on investment in water and wastewater. According to the U.S. Water Alliance, every $1 million invested in water and wastewater infrastructure brings 15.5 jobs. Last year, in 2024, the company’s investment in infrastructure could be measured by 4,300 jobs in the state of Illinois.

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 6,700 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 1.3 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/20250328878500/en/

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT

Terry Mackin, Director, Communications & External Affairs

Illinois American Water

Terry.Mackin@amwater.com

Source: Illinois American Water

FAQ

What grades did Illinois receive in the ASCE 2025 Infrastructure Report Card?

In the ASCE 2025 Report Card, Illinois received a C- grade for water infrastructure and a D+ grade for wastewater infrastructure, showing no improvement over the last four years.

How much is American Water planning to invest in infrastructure over the next decade?

American Water plans to invest $40-$42 billion in their systems across the country over the next ten years.

What is Illinois American Water's (AWK) recent investment history in infrastructure?

Illinois American Water has invested $2 billion in water and wastewater infrastructure since 2013, with $277.63 million invested in 2024.

How many jobs did Illinois American Water's (AWK) 2024 infrastructure investment create?

Illinois American Water's 2024 infrastructure investment supported approximately 4,300 jobs in Illinois.

What is the job creation impact of water infrastructure investment according to U.S. Water Alliance?

According to the U.S. Water Alliance, every $1 million invested in water and wastewater infrastructure creates 15.5 jobs.