Treatment Upgrade Completed at Illinois American Water’s Plant in Hardin

Rhea-AI Summary

Illinois American Water has completed major upgrades at its water treatment plant in Hardin, including a $500,000 investment in a sodium permanganate chemical feed system. The upgrade aims to address high levels of natural iron and manganese in the groundwater supply, improving water quality aesthetics including taste and odor.

The project, completed by Widman Construction of Godfrey using union employees, included a review and overhaul of the filtration system with replacement and repairs to the filter media. Additional filter system work is planned for 2025. The company reports positive feedback from the Hardin community regarding improved water quality.

Infrastructure improvements in 2024 included the replacement of 17 fire hydrants, installation of three new hydrants, and replacement of 39 valves in the water distribution system. Illinois American Water acquired Hardin's water and wastewater systems in June 2022.

Positive

• Completed $500,000 infrastructure upgrade to improve water quality
• Successfully implemented new chemical feed system to reduce iron and manganese levels
• Positive community feedback on water quality improvements
• Significant fire safety infrastructure upgrades with 20 new/replaced hydrants

Negative

• Additional filter system work required in 2025, indicating ongoing maintenance needs

Insights

Financial Analyst

The $500,000 investment in Hardin's water treatment infrastructure represents a modest capital expenditure for American Water Works (AWK), given their $23.3B market cap. While the project's immediate financial impact is minimal, it exemplifies AWK's strategic approach to infrastructure modernization and regulatory compliance. The sodium permanganate system and filtration improvements should reduce operational costs and minimize potential compliance issues, protecting the company's regulated returns.

The successful integration of Hardin's water systems, acquired in 2022, demonstrates AWK's execution capabilities in their growth-through-acquisition strategy. The comprehensive upgrades, including 17 fire hydrant replacements and 39 new valves, reflect their commitment to system reliability and safety standards - factors that regulators consider when approving rate cases.

Infrastructure Engineering Expert

The implementation of sodium permanganate treatment is a technically sound solution for addressing high iron and manganese levels in groundwater sources. These naturally occurring elements, while not health hazards, can cause significant aesthetic issues like discoloration and metallic taste that drive customer complaints and satisfaction metrics. The dual benefit of treating both contaminants with a single system is cost-effective and operationally efficient.

The concurrent filter media replacement and planned 2025 filtration system improvements indicate a holistic approach to water quality management. This comprehensive treatment strategy, combined with the distribution system upgrades (hydrants and valves), suggests a well-planned asset management program that should extend infrastructure lifespan and reduce maintenance costs.

Utility Regulatory Specialist

The positive community feedback reported in early 2025 is important from a regulatory perspective. Water quality aesthetics, while not always health-related, significantly influence customer satisfaction and regulatory relationships. The proactive infrastructure investment, particularly in a recently acquired system, positions AWK favorably for future rate cases with the Illinois Commerce Commission.

The use of union labor for project completion aligns with regulatory and stakeholder expectations in Illinois, potentially smoothing the path for future project approvals and rate recovery. The comprehensive approach to system improvements, from treatment to distribution, demonstrates prudent utility management - a key factor in maintaining constructive regulatory relationships and achieving favorable returns on equity.

Installation of sodium permanganate chemical feed system is an important step in improving and maintaining water quality aesthetics & delivery of clean, safe, reliable water in Hardin

HARDIN, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Major upgrades have been completed at Illinois American Water’s water treatment plant in Hardin. A $500,000 investment in the installation of a sodium permanganate chemical feed system was completed last fall.

According to Sarah Bowman, Senior Operations Manager, Central Division of Illinois American Water, the groundwater source of water supply in Hardin has high levels of natural iron and manganese. Sodium permanganate has been added to the water treatment strategy to effectively reduce both iron and manganese levels.

“The completed installation of the sodium permanganate feed system is an exciting step in improving the aesthetic water quality issues (taste, odor) in the Hardin community’s water system,” said Bowman.

Another strategic step taken at the Hardin water treatment plant last fall was a review and overhaul of the filtration system that included replacement and repairs to the filter media. Additional work on the water plant’s filter system will be completed in 2025.

According to Bowman, in early 2025, feedback from the Hardin community is positive, now that the water treatment process is effectively removing high levels of iron and manganese.

Widman Construction of Godfrey was the contractor of the project. The cost of the project was an estimated $500,000. All work on the project was completed by union employees.

Illinois American Water continuously monitors and tests the drinking water in the Village of Hardin. Ongoing tests confirm the water in Hardin is safe and meets water quality standards.

Illinois American Water’s local team continues to work with the local fire department on maintaining high-quality fire protection and public safety in the Hardin community. In 2024, Illinois American Water replaced 17 fire hydrants in the Village of Hardin and three additional, new hydrants were installed. In addition, 39 new valves were replaced in the community’s water distribution system.

Illinois American Water acquired the Village of Hardin water and wastewater systems in June 2022.

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.

Illinois American Water acquired the Village of Hardin water and wastewater systems in June 2022.

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/20250114730191/en/

NEWS MEDIA CONTACT

Anna Kubas, Senior Manager, External Communications

Illinois American Water

Anna.Kubas@amwater.com

Source: Illinois American Water

FAQ

What improvements did Illinois American Water complete at its Hardin treatment plant?

Illinois American Water completed a $500,000 upgrade installing a sodium permanganate chemical feed system and overhauled the filtration system to address iron and manganese levels in the water supply.

How many fire hydrants did Illinois American Water replace in Hardin during 2024?

In 2024, Illinois American Water replaced 17 existing fire hydrants and installed 3 new hydrants in the Village of Hardin.

When did Illinois American Water acquire Hardin's water systems?

Illinois American Water acquired the Village of Hardin's water and wastewater systems in June 2022.

What future improvements are planned for the Hardin water treatment plant?

Additional work on the water plant's filter system is planned to be completed in 2025.

How many new valves were replaced in Hardin's water distribution system?

39 new valves were replaced in the Hardin community's water distribution system.