Illinois American Water plans to improve Peoria area water system

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, has announced its plans to invest more than $9.5m in the improvement of Peoria area water system.

More than $8.5m of the investment will be allocated on the water distribution system while the remaining $1m will be spent on upgrading two water tanks at the water treatment plant.

Illinois American Water will replace and install over 6.6 miles of water mains across the Peoria district.

The work will be carried out at Peoria, Bartonville, Farmington and surrounding areas.

The company’s major upgrade programme will focus on Sheridan Road where water main breaks have increased. This project will include replacement of over a half mile of water main before the City of Peoria street resurfacing project commences.

Illinois American Water senior manager Roger Goodson said: “These projects help ensure adequate water pressure and flow to homes and businesses for service and fire protection. The work will also help to reduce main breaks and related traffic and service impact.”

The company plans to invest approximately $1m to extend the life of two elevated water tanks located at the Peoria Main Station Water Treatment Plant on Lorentz Avenue in Peoria. This work, which began this spring, requires the tanks to be taken out of service. The tanks, which were originally installed in 1958 and 1975, have a water holding capacity of 560,000 gallons each.

Both the tanks will undergo inspection, maintenance and painting works. To ensure the safety of the two historic plants and its surrounding area, painting will be done via a rolling application.

The work on tank project is expected to be completed in December this year.