Illinois American Water Investing in Lincoln’s Water System; Construction plans include a new Well, Elevated Tower and Water Treatment Plant

 

[April 03, 2020] 

Illinois American Water’s Lincoln District is kicking off significant investments in the local water system. Earlier this year, construction began on a new collector well. This work is continuing at the South Water Treatment Plant located at the southern end of State Street. An elevated water tower will also be constructed on Heitman Drive.

According to Gabe Bowden, operations superintendent for the Lincoln District, these projects are part of a comprehensive plan to upgrade the local water system and meet future demand. The work is not related to the coronavirus. Bowden said, “Our engineering team continuously updates our 5- and 10- year plans to ensure we are proactively investing in our infrastructure. This ensures we avoid crisis situations and appropriately plan for the future.”

He added, “These projects will ensure customers continue to receive the quality water service they have come to expect for decades to come. Continuous investment is critical to ensuring quality water service to our customers.”

Combined, the new well and elevated tower projects represent a commitment by Illinois American Water to invest approximately $5.94 million in the local water system. While work continues on the well site, the design and construction of the new 1 million gallon elevated water tank is just beginning. The elevated water tower will provide additional water storage and ensure adequate water pressure to meet customer demand and fire protection needs.

Bowden said, “Water towers serve a vital role in our water distribution systems. They ensure adequate water supply and pressure for drinking water and fire protection. They are also community landmarks. This water tower represents our ongoing commitment to our local customers.”

Construction is expected to be completed on the collector well this summer and on the water tower in late 2021. Illinois American is also expected to begin construction later this year on the replacement of the South Water Treatment Plant originally constructed in the 1980s. The new plant will be located outside of the floodplain, helping to increase system reliability.

According to Bowden plans are still being completed for the new water treatment plant. He said, “We are finalizing the design of the plant. We are excited about this investment in Lincoln and are committed to providing safe, reliable drinking water for today and future generations.”

It is anticipated that the new facility will not be completed before the end of 2022. Illinois American Water will continue to update customers and key stakeholders on project progress.

About Illinois American Water - Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,800 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to 15 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit a mwater.com

[Karen Cotton]