Articles from Illinois American Water

Construction of a new, highly visible water tank has been completed and is in service in the Village of Sidney in Champaign County. The new tank holds 150,000 gallons of water and includes the logos of the Village of Sidney and Illinois American Water.

Major upgrades have been completed at Illinois American Water’s water treatment plant in Hardin. A $500,000 investment in the installation of a sodium permanganate chemical feed system was completed last fall.

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., and Illinois American Water, announced today that the Chicago Urban League (CUL) has received a $20,000 commitment as part of a larger Foundation Corporate Strategic grant. Funding will enhance workforce development initiatives that help close the equality gap for African Americans and other historically underserved groups throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area footprint.

Illinois American Water recently invited 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students to showcase their creativity by submitting artwork to the company’s “Water Keeps Life Flowing” art contest. Hundreds of entries capturing the importance of high-quality water service were received. Illinois American Water chose 10 winners who earned their classrooms a $100 donation for school supplies or a classroom celebration.

Major upgrades and improvements were completed this fall at Illinois American Water’s water treatment plant in Jerseyville. The transition to the new water treatment plant has been seamless for local customers and is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the reliability and safety of the water provided to Jerseyville customers.

The Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC) issued an order Thursday approving new water and wastewater base rates for Illinois American Water, driven primarily by $557 million in capital investments in 2024 and 2025. The rate change request was filed on January 25, 2024.

This year, Illinois American Water has transitioned to a new water treatment plant in Lincoln that allows the company to continue providing high-quality water service to all customers in the community. Local elected officials and community stakeholders from the City of Lincoln were invited to tour the new plant on November 14.

Illinois American Water has completed its $8.4 million acquisition of the wastewater system of the Metro East Sanitary District (MESD). The wastewater system acquisition includes the Eagle Park and Lansdowne wastewater systems and adds approximately 5,600 customers to the company’s footprint in the Metro East area near St. Louis.

A study commissioned by the Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council (IUBDC) revealed that goods and services purchased by Illinois utilities from minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned, and small business suppliers in 2023 contributed $3.5 billion to the state's Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

Illinois American Water continues to invest in its water and wastewater infrastructure in the Alton District. Recent projects include the installation of ultraviolet treatment equipment at the Alton water treatment plant, the sewer separation project in downtown Alton, and a water main replacement along 9th Street between Atkinson Avenue and Market Street.

Over $96,000 has been awarded to 97 Illinois fire departments and districts through Illinois American Water’s 2024 Firefighter Grant Program. Since the program was created in 2010, over 1,040 grants totaling over $1,036,000 have been awarded to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water’s service area.

The American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF), a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated U.S. water and wastewater utility company, along with Illinois American Water, announced today that applications are now being accepted for the Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Grant. Through this program, funding will be provided to community organizations and schools for the purpose of advancing inclusion, diversity and equity related initiatives within communities across Illinois.

Illinois American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in Illinois, today announced its participation in American Water Works Association’s (“AWWA”) Annual Source Water Protection Week – September 29 - October 5.

Illinois American Water encourages students to showcase their creativity by submitting artwork to the company’s “Water Keeps Life Flowing” art contest. Entries from 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students will capture what high-quality water service means to them. Artwork will be accepted through Thursday, Oct. 24, 2024. Up to ten winners will earn their classroom a $100 donation to be used for school supplies or a classroom celebration.

Illinois American Water continues to invest in the infrastructure of its water treatment plant in the Pontiac District. Two important projects are underway:

A new, state-of-the-art, ultraviolet treatment system at the Streator water plant allows for an important, additional disinfection step in the water treatment process and further protects the local community’s drinking water.

Installation of a sodium permanganate chemical feed system at Illinois American Water’s water treatment plant in the Village of Hardin was completed this summer. The sodium permanganate feed system has been operating successfully for the past month. Early indications show a noticeable improvement in the historic aesthetic discoloration issues throughout the community’s water system.

Illinois American Water announces that Brian Eisenloeffel has been named the company’s new Vice President of Operations, effective today, May 27. In his role, Eisenloeffel leads the company’s Safety, Business Performance, Water Quality, Field Operations, Production, and Maintenance teams across the state.

Illinois American Water achieved $101 million in spending across minority, women, and veteran supply partners, more than 33% of the company’s total procurement spend in 2023, as detailed in the company’s annual report to the Illinois Commerce Commission, which regulates the state’s public utilities.

Illinois American Water continues to meet or surpass water quality standards, according to the company’s 2023 Water Quality Reports now available on the company’s website.

Illinois American Water proudly joins communities across North America in celebrating Drinking Water Week, an annual observance led by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). Taking place May 5-11, Drinking Water Week serves to highlight the importance of safe drinking water and recognize the tireless efforts of local water professionals who keep it flowing around the clock. This year’s celebration coincides with the 50th anniversary of the Safe Drinking Water Act (SDWA).

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., recently announced seven organizations were awarded a Water and Environment grant, supporting communities served by Illinois American Water.

Rebecca Losli, president of Illinois American Water, has been appointed chairperson of the board of the Illinois Utilities Business Diversity Council (IUBDC). Losli succeeds chairman and president of Ameren Illinois, Lenny Singh, who led the IUBDC in 2023, and remains an active member of the IUBDC Board of Directors.

In 2023, Illinois American Water invested $297 million in water and wastewater system infrastructure replacement and enhancements throughout the state. This work included installing new pipes, pumps, hydrants, valves, lift stations, water treatment facilities, storage tanks, new water quality systems and technology.

In 2023, Illinois American Water will have invested $297 million in water and wastewater system infrastructure replacement and enhancements throughout the state. This work includes installing new pipes, pumps, hydrants, valves, lift stations, water treatment facilities, storage tanks, new water quality systems and technology.

In 2023, Illinois American Water will have invested $297 million in water and wastewater system infrastructure replacement and enhancements throughout the state. This work includes installing new pipes, pumps, hydrants, valves, lift stations, water treatment facilities, storage tanks, new water quality systems and technology.

In 2023, Illinois American Water will have invested $297 million in water and wastewater system infrastructure replacement and enhancements throughout the state. This work includes installing new pipes, pumps, hydrants, valves, lift stations, water treatment facilities, storage tanks, new water quality systems and technology.

Nearly $85,000 has been awarded to 85 Illinois fire departments and districts through Illinois American Water’s 2023 Firefighter Grant Program. Since the program was created in 2010, over 945 grants totaling over $940,000 have been awarded to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water’s service area.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, announced today it has completed the acquisition of the Village of Broadlands water system for $425,000. Illinois American Water’s petition to acquire the system was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission on June 1, 2023.

Illinois American Water’s new customer assistance program will provide financial assistance to customers based on their household income.

Illinois American Water is awarding seven 2023 Environmental Grants that fund innovative, community-based projects focused on improving, restoring and enhancing local watersheds.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, announced today the acquisition of the Village of Tolono water and wastewater systems for $9.416 million. The newly acquired systems add approximately 1,295 water and 1,254 wastewater customers to the Company’s eastern Illinois service area.

For the fourth year in a row, Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSEAWK), has received the J.D. Power award for ranking highest in customer satisfaction among large water utilities in the Midwest, according to the J.D. Power 2023 U.S. Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM. https://www.jdpower.com/business/utilities/water-utility-residential-customer-satisfaction-study

Water conservation is a common interest for both University of Illinois Extension and Illinois American Water, which have a mutual goal of educating people about this valuable resource. To further this goal, Illinois American Water is sponsoring the Clean Water Conservation Webinar Series, four 30-minute online sessions focusing on conservation topics.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, has announced an agreement to purchase the assets of the wastewater treatment plant of the City of Granite City.

Illinois American Water is dropping helpful tips to customers during the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Fix a Leak Week. Fix a Leak Week will be observed this week, March 20-26. The national campaign held by the EPA raises awareness about leaks and other water issues that contribute to water waste within homes and businesses.

Illinois American Water President Rebecca Losli, P.E. was named Engineer of the Year by the Missouri Society of Professional Engineers (MSPE) St. Louis Chapter. MSPE is an association of professional engineers focused on protecting public health, safety and welfare through the ethical and competent practice of engineering.

The American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF) and Illinois American Water are celebrating Engineering Week by announcing $50,000 in grants to Illinois programs focused on Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) education. AWCF is a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. AWCF is partnering with Illinois American Water to provide three Illinois organizations with STEM Education grants.

The American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF), a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, and American Water’s General Counsel Jim Gallegos announced a combined total donation of $200,000 to the National Urban League and the Affiliate Movement.

Illinois American Water has opened the application window for its 2023 Environmental Grant Program. The program funds innovative, community-based projects focused on improving, restoring and watersheds.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, announced today, the expansion of service in the City of Rosiclare through the purchase of the City’s water distribution system for $2.7 million. The newly acquired water distribution system adds approximately 525 water service customers to the Company’s southern Illinois service area.

Illinois American Water is sharing an animated public service video reminding customers to properly dispose of fats, oils and grease (FOG) this holiday season. Properly disposing of FOG can help prevent clogs in household plumbing and sewer lines. The video features ugly sweater-wearing characters Fats, Oil, and Grease as uninvited holiday party guests who threaten to wreak havoc on pipes.

With frigid temperatures occurring across the state, Illinois American Water is reminding homeowners to take steps to prevent frozen pipes this winter. These tips can also help protect the local water service team as they perform critical work for reliable, safe water service.

The American Water Charitable Foundation (AWCF), a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, partnered with Illinois American Water to provide five State Strategic Impact Grants focused on Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) initiatives. Five organizations within Illinois American Water’s service area will receive a $5,000 grant.

Over $22,000 will be shared by 12 organizations through Illinois American Water’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program. The program provides financial assistance to nonprofit organizations seeking to develop and implement programs, training and/or community-related projects that aim to promote and foster inclusion, diversity and equity in their community.

Illinois American Water named Kyle Smith the Senior Operations Manager for the company’s Western Division, effective Oct. 17, 2022. In this role, Smith will oversee operations in the Peoria, Pekin and Lincoln Districts.

The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water, the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company, recently announced three organizations were awarded a 2022 Workforce Readiness Grant, supporting communities served by Illinois American Water. Each Illinois organization received a $25,000 grant.

With colder weather arriving across the state, Illinois American Water is reminding homeowners to take steps to prevent water damage from frozen and burst pipes. Tips also cover frozen water meters, which can bring costly plumbing repairs and replacement fees along with headaches and unexpected expense to homeowners.

Young artists across Illinois participated in Illinois American Water’s annual “Water Keeps Life Flowing” art contest which illustrates the importance of reliable, safe water service. Through the contest, 3rd, 4th and 5th grade students submitted a drawing and sentence about what water service means to them. To help spark creativity, teachers explained how important water service is for public health, food, daily chores, firefighting, manufacturing and more.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSEAWK) announced on Oct. 31, 2022, that Rebecca Losli has been named President of Illinois American Water. Losli succeeds Justin Ladner, named President of Pennsylvania American Water in the company’s Oct. 31 announcement. Ladner served as Illinois American Water President since 2020.

Illinois American Water is encouraging customers to participate in the Drug Enforcement Agency’s (DEA) National Prescription Drug Take Back Day this coming Saturday, Oct.29, 2022. Customers are encouraged to drop off unwanted medications at approved collection sites so they can be incinerated. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends having unwanted medications incinerated. Flushing medications down the toilet and throwing them in the trash are discouraged.

Over $96,000 will be shared by over 90 Illinois fire departments through Illinois American Water’s 2022 Firefighter Grant Program. Since the program was created in 2010, over 860 grants totaling over $856,000 have been awarded to fire and emergency organizations serving customers in Illinois American Water’s service area.

Over the last six years from 2016 through 2021, Illinois American Water has partnered with Illinois farmers to apply over 109,000 dry tons of residuals and biosolids, rather than sending them to landfills. The water treatment residuals and wastewater treatment biosolids from Illinois American Water’s Champaign, Fisher, Granite City, Peoria, Streator, Jerseyville and Chicago Metro service areas were applied to agricultural fields across the state.

In conjunction with the American Water Works Association (AWWA), Illinois American Water will participate in the second annual Source Water Protection Week. The company will highlight collaborative efforts needed to protect sources of water used as drinking water supplies and how to protect our world’s most precious natural resource. Source Water Protection Week is observed Sept. 25 – Oct. 1. Illinois American Water continuously educates customers about source water protection through bill messaging, customer emails, annual water quality reports and social media posts.

Illinois American Water announced that applications are now being accepted for the company’s Inclusion, Diversity and Equity Grant Program. Through this program, Illinois American Water will dedicate funding to community organizations for the purpose of advancing inclusion, diversity and equity related initiatives.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, announced today, the acquisition of the City of Villa Grove water and wastewater systems for $11 million. The newly acquired systems add approximately 1,489 water and 1,069 wastewater customers to the Company’s eastern Illinois service area.

Illinois American Water’s Cairo District is celebrating 23 years of safety excellence. The local water system team celebrated 23 years, or 8,400 days, without experiencing any lost-time accidents on Aug. 17, 2022.

Illinois American Water is celebrating two significant safety milestones achieved by the Streator and South Beloit Districts. The Streator District celebrated 14 years and the South Beloit District celebrated 16 years on Aug. 1, 2022.

Illinois American Water is accepting applications for its 2022 Firefighter Grant Program. Through this program, the company provides financial assistance to fire and emergency organizations in its service areas. Eligible fire departments can apply online by visiting www.illinoisamwater.com > News & Community > Firefighter Grant Program.

On Aug. 11 Illinois American Water is reminding Illinois residents to contact 811 prior to any digging project to have underground utility lines marked. Every few minutes an underground utility line is damaged because someone decided to dig without first contacting 811.

Illinois American Water spent more than $65 million with diverse suppliers to conduct business in 2021. The diverse suppliers and businesses consist of minority-owned, women-owned, veteran-owned and small-business enterprises. In 2021, over 28% of the company’s spend was spent with diverse vendors detailed in the company’s annual report to the Illinois Commerce Commission, which regulates the state’s public utilities.

Illinois American Water is encouraging customers who qualify and need financial assistance with their water and/or wastewater bills to utilize the federal assistance program LIHWAP. LIHWAP is a federally-funded program that provides bill payment assistance to help low-income families pay their water and/or wastewater bills. Qualifying residential customers could receive up to $1,500 for their water and/or wastewater bill.

Illinois American Water is highlighting safety excellence achieved by the Company’s southern Illinois teams during National Safety Month. The team members celebrated several years of operation without lost-time accidents. The Grafton wastewater service team celebrated seven years in May; and the Jerseyville water and wastewater teams celebrated nine years at the beginning of June.

Last week, Illinois American Water was recognized nationally by American Water Works Association (AWWA) for water quality and safety excellence. During AWWA’s national conference titled ACE22, the company received four 20-Year Directors Awards for participation in the Partnership for Safe Water program, as well as the Wendell R. LaDue Utility Safety Award.

Illinois American Water’s Lincoln District is celebrating 14 years of safe work. The local team celebrated over 5,110 days of working safely, without experiencing any lost-time accidents, on May 30.

During the National Safety Council’s National Safety Month, Illinois American Water is reminding motorists to move over for safety through a social media #moveover campaign. Throughout June, Illinois American Water employees and their families will be featured on the company’s Facebook page to highlight Scott’s Law and the importance of moving over for law enforcement, emergency, utility and other vehicles displaying warning lights.

Illinois American Water is investing over $6 million to replace over 20,000 feet, or 3.7 miles, of water main throughout the company’s Champaign County water service area. The work began in May and will occur across Champaign-Urbana, Fisher and Sadorus. A map of water main replacement projects can be found here: Champaign-Urbana, Fisher, and Sadorus.

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, announced today that it has completed the acquisition of the Village of Hardin water and wastewater systems. The newly acquired system adds approximately 435 water and 405 wastewater customers to the company’s southern Illinois service area. The Village of Hardin is located near Illinois American Water’s Jerseyville operations.

Illinois American Water is encouraging customers to view the company’s 2021 water quality reports to learn more about the source and quality of their drinking water. The report is issued for each service area, and highlights the company’s commitment to providing drinking water that meets or surpasses standards required by the Environmental Protection Agency.

Illinois American Water is investing over $1 million to replace approximately 4,800 feet of water main in the Lincoln water system. This investment supports continued safe, reliable water service and reliability for homes, businesses and for fire protection.

Illinois American Water is investing over $3 million to replace over 11,000 feet, or over two miles, of water main throughout the Pekin water system. This investment supports continued safe, reliable service to homes, businesses and fire protection. Much of the water main installed will be increased in size to support water flow and pressure for continued water quality and fire protection.

Illinois American Water is investing over $3 million to replace over 8,600 feet, or 1.6 miles, of water main throughout the Sterling water system. This work supports continued reliable service to homes, businesses and fire hydrants. Much of the water main installed will be larger in size to support water flow and pressure for continued water quality and fire protection.

Yesterday, Sol Systems and Illinois American Water, the largest investor-owned water utility in Illinois, cut the ribbon on their second solar project, located in Peoria, Ill. The 2.3-megawatt (MW) solar project includes bifacial panels and single-axis trackers and will generate the equivalent electricity each year of approximately 350 homes.

Illinois American Water is investing approximately $4 million to replace over 8,000 feet, or 1.5 miles, of water main throughout the Streator water system. Much of the water main installed will be increased in size to support water flow and pressure for continued water quality and fire protection.

For the third year in a row, Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water Company (NYSEAWK), has received the J.D. Power award for ranking highest in customer satisfaction among large water utilities in the Midwest according to the J.D. Power 2022 U.S. Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study℠. Illinois American Water also ranked #1 in 2021, 2020 and in the first year of the J.D. Power Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction Study in 2016.