Illinois American Water Announces over $5.7 Million Investment for over 21,000 Feet of Water Main Installation and Main Break Prevention

Illinois American Water’s Peoria District is investing over $5.7 million to improve its distribution system. The investment includes installing over four miles of water main in Peoria, Limestone Township and Bartonville. In addition, 11 pressure-reducing valves will be installed in the system’s high service zone in Peoria for main break reduction. Weather permitting; crews will begin work in early September, starting at various times with total completion of this work by the end of the year.

PRESSURE REDUCING VALVES

In the Peoria District’s high service zone, water main breaks have been trending up in recent years, a problem amplified by high operating pressures. Eleven new pressure reducing valves will be installed to help reduce pressure in those areas from over 100 psi to closer to the recommended 80 psi. This investment will enable stable water pressure and help reduce future water main breaks.

According to Christian Volz, engineering manager for the Peoria District service area, Illinois American Water continuously looks for opportunities to improve system operations. He said, “Our engineering team investigates every water main break and determined this to be the best, most prudent approach to help prevent water main breaks and reduce related service and traffic impact from those breaks.”

The pressure reducing valves will be installed in Peoria as follows:
- West of Willow Knolls at W. Willow Knolls & W. War Memorial
- South of War Memorial at W. Willow Knolls & W. War Memorial
- South of War Memorial at W. Baring & W. War Memorial
- North of Camille at W. Camille & N. Hamilton
- West of Melody at W. Glen, between N. Melody & N. Glen Park
- North of Clarewood at N. University & W. Clarewood
- West of Sheridan at N. Sheridan & W. Lake
- South of Lake at N. Sheridan & W. Lake
- East of California at E. War Memorial & N. California
- South of London at E. London & Atlantic
- West of Dayton at E. Rouse, between Dayton & Columbus

Once the pressure reducing valves are in place, Illinois American Water’s engineering team will determine the appropriate time to bring the new pressure system online. This is expected to occur next year.

When that phase of the project occurs, customers will be contacted via Illinois American Water’s customer notification system regarding any impact to water service and necessary steps. The Company’s notification system contacts customers via telephone and text or email. Customers should update their contact information and choose their notification preference online at www.illinoisamwater.com or by calling 800-422-2782.

MAIN REPLACEMENT WORK

Illinois American Water’s main replacement program focuses on replacing mains where leaks occur, corrosion has caused damage or the size of the pipe isn’t sufficient. Over four miles of water main will be installed in Peoria, Limestone Township and Bartonville. A map of the proposed work can be viewed here – http://arcg.is/1GPuLf.

Volz said, “We invest annually to ensure that local water quality and service continues to be as good as or better than local, state and federal quality standards. These projects will benefit all of our customers because they help ensure adequate flow to homes and businesses for service and fire protection.”

Customers affected by the work will be notified via letter about the impact and any necessary steps. The letter will include a local contact for questions.

The U.S. EPA reports that the nation’s water utilities will need to make more than $335 billion in infrastructure investments over the next 20 years to ensure public health. These investments include replacing thousands of miles of pipe and upgrades to treatment plants, storage tanks and other assets. Illinois American Water’s investment in the Peoria District is just another example of continuous investments and improvements being made.

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 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.