Illinois American Water to improve Metro East water service

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, has announced an investment of $5.3m to improve water services to Metro East.

It will install more than 19,200 ft of water main in Swansea, Madison, Granite City, East St. Louis and Belleville. The installation of water main will help to increase water flow and pressure.

Illinois American Water senior operations manager Karen Cooper said: “Like other water systems across the country, our water infrastructure is reaching the end of its useful lifespan.

“The U.S. EPA reports that the nation’s water utilities need to invest more than $384 billion by 2030 to safeguard public health. This is why Illinois American Water is continuously investing to ensure reliable water service today and future generations.”

The water main replacement programme will concentrate on leakages, corroded pipes and insufficient size of the pipings.

Cooper added: “This work helps to ensure adequate water pressure to homes and businesses for service and fire protection. Main breaks are also reduced, decreasing impact on traffic.”

Residents affected by the work will be notified through letter about the work and the impact.

In June, Illinois American Water announced an investment of over $1.8m to boost water service to the City of Farmington.

The work includes improvements to the water treatment system and replacement of over a mile of water main.

More than 6,600ft of water main will be upgraded from 4-inch and 6-inch water main to 8-inch and 10-inch water main.

This programme is expected to boost water flow and pressure to the north side of Farmington for improved water quality and fire protection.

The company will install new fire hydrants and valves.

In June, Illinois American Water had announced its plan to invest $9.5m to improve Peoria area water system. It also recently invested $2m to upgrade the water service distribution system in Champaign County District.

Illinois American Water provides water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people.

American Water employs over 7,100 people provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to over 14 million people in 46 US states.