Illinois American Water to buy Hardin County water system

Illinois American Water has signed an agreement to take over the provision of water services from the Hardin County Water Company in southern Illinois.

The Hardin water system has the capacity to serve around 500 customer connections, or 1,000 people. The price of the transaction will be determined during an appraisal process that will be conducted by the end of summer under the supervision of the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC).

Illinois American Water president Karla Olson Teasley said that the company looks forward to continuing the Hardin County Water Company’s long legacy of water service excellence.

"If the sale is approved by the ICC, Illinois American Water would continue to make needed investments in infrastructure to ensure the water system is maintained and upgraded as appropriate," Teasley added.

"With this potential acquisition, we will expand our existing footprint and help ensure local residents have access to a long-term, reliable water supply for years to come."

After obtaining approval from the ICC, Illinois American Water plans to conduct a meeting between customers and the company’s representatives to exchange information regarding the water services.

Illinois American Water is the largest investor-owned water utility in the region, providing water and wastewater services to over 1.2 million people.