Water Treatment Projects Continue At Illinois American Water’s Treatment Plant In Streator

Rhea-AI Summary

Illinois American Water has invested over $7.5 million in water treatment projects at its Streator plant. The upgrades include a new ultraviolet (UV) treatment system and enhanced plant filters. The $4.27 million UV system, operational since 2023, provides an additional disinfection step without using chemicals, effectively treating bacteria and microorganisms from the Vermilion River source.

This technology helps meet EPA guidelines and enhances protection against chlorine-resistant pathogens. Additionally, a $3.5 million project to improve two older water filters and construct a protective structure over sedimentation and flocculation basins is underway, expected to complete by end of 2024. These investments mark Illinois American Water's 25th year of operating the Streator water system, demonstrating their commitment to delivering high-quality, safe drinking water.

Positive

• Installation of a $4.27 million state-of-the-art ultraviolet treatment system
• $3.5 million investment in water filter improvements and protective structures
• Enhanced water quality and protection against chlorine-resistant pathogens
• Compliance with EPA's Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule
• Use of local contractors and union workers for project execution

Negative

• None.

Insights

Environmental Engineer

The installation of a new ultraviolet (UV) treatment system at the Streator water plant is a significant upgrade in water treatment technology. UV disinfection is highly effective against chlorine-resistant pathogens, providing an additional layer of safety without introducing chemicals. This $4.27 million investment demonstrates a proactive approach to meeting and exceeding EPA guidelines, particularly the Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

The ongoing $3.5 million filter improvement project, coupled with the new protective structure over sedimentation and flocculation basins, indicates a comprehensive strategy to enhance water quality and plant resilience. These upgrades will likely result in more efficient operations, reduced maintenance costs and improved water quality for consumers in the long term.

Public Health Expert

The implementation of UV disinfection technology in Streator's water treatment process is a commendable public health measure. UV treatment is particularly effective against Cryptosporidium and Giardia, parasites that are resistant to traditional chlorine disinfection. This additional barrier significantly reduces the risk of waterborne disease outbreaks.

The combined $7.5 million investment in UV treatment and filter improvements shows a strong commitment to public health. These upgrades will likely lead to more consistent water quality, potentially reducing the incidence of gastrointestinal illnesses in the community. The proactive approach to meeting and exceeding EPA standards sets a positive example for other water utilities nationwide.

Financial Analyst

Illinois American Water's $7.5 million investment in the Streator water treatment plant demonstrates a strategic long-term approach to infrastructure improvement. While this capital expenditure may impact short-term financials, it's likely to yield significant benefits over time. Improved water quality and system reliability can lead to increased customer satisfaction, potentially reducing customer churn and complaints.

The use of union labor for these projects may result in higher upfront costs but could lead to better quality work and improved community relations. The company's proactive approach to meeting and exceeding regulatory standards may also help avoid costly fines or mandated upgrades in the future, ultimately benefiting shareholders through more stable and predictable financial performance.

New ultraviolet water treatment system and enhanced plant filters highlight more than $7.5 million investment in delivering clean, safe and reliable drinking water in the Streator District.

STREATOR, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- A new, state-of-the-art, ultraviolet treatment system at the Streator water plant allows for an important, additional disinfection step in the water treatment process and further protects the local community’s drinking water.

According to Holly Hunt, Illinois American Water’s Operations Superintendent, Streator District, “The ultraviolet treatment system equipment adds additional treatment capabilities to the water treatment process without the use of additional chemicals. It is an effective, environmentally friendly solution, reinforcing our commitment to clean, safe and reliable water service to our customers.”

The equipment uses ultraviolet light to treat for bacteria and microorganisms that could be present in the raw water from the Vermilion River. As the water passes through the equipment, the ultraviolet lights emit a frequency that impacts organisms in the raw water.

“The new system is an additional line of defense to enhance our water quality and further protect our local customers,” said Hunt.

According to Brent O’Neill, Director of Engineering for Illinois American Water, ultraviolet technology is effective in inhibiting infection-causing microorganisms and adds another layer of protection for customers. When used to treat drinking water, ultraviolet disinfection addresses chlorine-resistant pathogens and microorganisms that could be present in surface water sources.

O’Neill said, “There is nothing more important than the quality of the water we deliver to our customers’ taps. This is why we continuously work to upgrade technology and treatment processes to deliver safe drinking water.”

The investment will also help meet water quality regulations associated with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

According to O’Neill, Illinois American Water not only meets EPA drinking water guidelines, but the company “provides water quality which is better than required.” He added, “Our customers trust us with a critical service. We take our responsibility seriously and are proud to deliver quality drinking water.”

Construction started in 2022 and the ultraviolet treatment system went into service in 2023. Project cost was $4.27 million. Vissering Construction of Streator performed the work. All work was completed by union workers.

Water Plant Filter Improvements

In addition, a $3.5 million project is underway to make improvements to two older water filters at the water plant. This project includes the construction of a structure over the plant’s sedimentation and flocculation basins for additional protection.

Construction began in late 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Vissering Construction of Streator is the contractor. All work is being done by union employees.

2024 marks the 25^th year that Illinois American Water has owned, operated and maintained the water system in Streator. Said O’Neill. “We continue to invest strategically in the Streator water system, with a focus on quality water and service.”

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/20240912317904/en/

NEWS MEDIA

Anna Kubas, Senior Manager, External Communications

Illinois American Water



Anna.Kubas@amwater.com

Source: Illinois American Water

FAQ

What is the total investment made by Illinois American Water in Streator's water treatment plant?

Illinois American Water has invested more than $7.5 million in water treatment projects at its Streator plant, including a $4.27 million ultraviolet treatment system and a $3.5 million filter improvement project.

When did the new ultraviolet treatment system at Illinois American Water's Streator plant become operational?

The new ultraviolet treatment system at Illinois American Water's Streator plant went into service in 2023, after construction began in 2022.

What are the benefits of the ultraviolet treatment system installed by Illinois American Water (AWK) in Streator?

The ultraviolet treatment system provides an additional disinfection step without chemicals, effectively treats bacteria and microorganisms from the Vermilion River, and enhances protection against chlorine-resistant pathogens, improving overall water quality.

When is the $3.5 million filter improvement project at Illinois American Water's Streator plant expected to be completed?

The $3.5 million filter improvement project at Illinois American Water's Streator plant, which began in late 2023, is expected to be completed by the end of 2024.