Jun 28, 2019   SOURCE: BusinessWire

Illinois American Water Investing Over $12 Million in Champaign County Water System; Over 3 Miles of Water Main to Be Installed

Illinois American Water is investing over $12 million to enhance water service to customers in the Champaign County area. The work, which is kicking off this summer, includes making improvements to the water treatment system and installing over 16,200 feet of water main in Champaign, Urbana and Sadorus.

A bulk of the main replacement work is related to relocating water mains along Wright Street and Armory Street in Champaign as a part of the City’s street reconstruction project. The company is also partnering with the City on their storm water project.

Matt White, operations superintendent for the Champaign County District, says this type of partnership benefits residents. He said, “When we are able to schedule construction projects together, we are able to pool expertise and resources. In addition, the roadway is usually opened once rather than twice, decreasing costs and inconvenience to motorists. We appreciate the positive working relationship we have with the communities we service.”

In total, three miles of water main will also installed across Champaign County including upgrading water mains from 4-inch and 6-inch water main to 8-inch and 10-inch water main. This investment will increase water flow and pressure for improved water quality and fire protection. New fire hydrants and valves will also be installed. Residents located along the water main replacement routes will receive a letter informing them of the work and critical information. To view a map of related projects please visit http://arcg.is/01ebXu.

White said the company’s water main replacement program focuses on replacing mains where leaks occur, corrosion has caused damage or the size of the pipe isn’t sufficient. He said, “This work helps to ensure adequate water pressure to homes and businesses for service and fire protection. Main breaks are also reduced, decreasing impact to traffic and service.”

Additional investments focus on upgrading infrastructure at the Mattis Avenue water treatment plant. Approximately $7 million will be invested at the plant. Work includes replacing the lime feed system and constructing a new pump station. All of these investments, which are expected to be begin this year and completed in 2020, will enhance water quality to customers.

Brian Wiemers, production superintendent for the Champaign County District said, “It’s critical we continue to upgrade our water treatment facility to ensure our customers receive the same, great tasting water they’ve come to expect.”

He added that earlier this year the Mattis Water Treatment Plant won the 15-County Water Supply Operators Association regional drinking water competition. Water samples were judged on taste, odor and clarity. Wiemers said, “We’re proud of the product we deliver every day to our friends and neighbors. We love hearing from our customers about how great they think the water tastes. There’s no better compliment.”

Illinois American Water’s investments are an example of continuous improvements being made to meet the demands of today’s customers and for the future. The U.S. EPA reports that the nation’s water utilities will need to make more than $384 billion in infrastructure investments by 2030 to ensure public health.

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 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.