During
Source Water Protection Week, Illinois American Water Announces
Results of Partnership with Illinois Farmers
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[October 04, 2021]
Over the last four years, Illinois
American Water has partnered with Illinois farmers to apply over
96,000 dry tons of residuals and biosolids, rather than sending them
to a landfill. The water treatment residuals and wastewater
treatment biosolids from several Illinois American Water service
areas were applied to agricultural fields across the state.
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Over the years Illinois American Water operations in Champaign
County, Chicago Metro, Granite City, Peoria and Streator have
participated in the program. After Illinois American Water
acquired the water system in the City of Jerseyville, it was
added to the statewide program to increase environmental
efforts.
Biosolids are primarily organic materials produced during
wastewater treatment. Residuals are produced during the water
treatment process and are typically alum or lime based. These
materials are beneficial for agricultural land application.
According to Ryan Schuler, Water Quality & Environmental
Compliance Manager for Illinois American Water, the partnership
is a best practice for environmental sustainability. He said,
“We work with water, our most precious resource, daily. We know
how important it is to protect our resources and to reuse what
we can. This is one of the reasons we are participating in the
first-ever Source Water Protection Week along with the American
Water Works Association this week, and why we partner with
farmers and other environmental stewards.”
He continued, “We hope by sharing our efforts and innovative
approach we may inspire others to do their part to protect our
precious resources.”
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As a part of the land application program, strict application
guidelines are followed prevent material from entering landfills
and decrease farming-related chemical use and adjust pH to
further protect natural resources. Solids generated from the
water or wastewater treatment process are held in basins or
drying lagoons. In the fall, after crops have been harvested,
the alum residuals, lime residuals or biosolids are land
applied. Farmers then plow the field after the application or in
the spring to incorporate the residuals into the soil. Alum
residuals benefit the farmland by helping with the retention of
soil moisture, whereas lime residuals benefit the fields by
adjusting pH to optimal levels. Biosolids add nitrogen and
phosphorus to the agricultural fields.
Illinois American Water works with land application contractors
so the residuals are applied to farmland that has undergone
required sampling. Also, application isn’t made to sites that
are wet, frozen, or near a potable water supply. According to
Schuler, there are several technical requirements, but the
effort is worth it.
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“Reusing these natural conditioners on farmland is just one of the ways we
implement green technology into our operations. It’s the right thing to do and
we are thankful to the farmers who partner with us,” said Schuler.
Illinois American Water implements green technology whenever possible. Examples
include:
- Using solar to help decrease energy use.
- Recycling to reduce waste.
- Supporting pharmaceutical disposal programs to prevent the flushing of
unwanted medications.
- Offering environmental grants to support local, community initiatives to
protect watersheds.
- Partnering with educators on our annual art contest to educate our young
customers.
- Educating customers about wise water use.
To learn more about Illinois American Water’s environmental efforts, please
visit www.illinoisamwater.com.
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 7,000 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 help make sure we
keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com
[Karen Cotton, Sr. Manager External
Communications]
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