Illinois American Water to invest in water main replacement

US-based Illinois American Water has announced plans to invest about $1.5m for replacing more than 6,000ft of Centreville’s water main which was originally installed in the 1950s.

Much of the water main installed will be increased in size to support water flow as well as pressure for continued water quality.

The work is being carried out in N. 68th Street, Park Place, Elm Street, N. 72nd Street, and N. 74th Street, Edna Street, Le Chateau Square, and Pershing Street.

Illinois American Water operations senior manager Joe Ahlvin said that the project was originally scheduled to start earlier this year but got delayed due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

“We’re excited to kick off this important project which supports adequate water pressure to homes and businesses for service and fire protection.”

The company expects to complete the water main installation and property restoration by the end of January next year.

Customer service lines will also be connected to the new water main during the second phase of the project, the same year.

The water main programme of the company focuses on replacing mains where leaks occur, or if the size of the pipe is no longer sufficient.

Ahlvin further added: “Like other water systems across the country, our water infrastructure is reaching the end of its useful lifespan. Strategic investments support continued reliable water service today and for future generations.”

The company sent a letter to customers who were affected by the main replacement project.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to about 1.3 million people.