Illinois American Water Invests $277M in 2024 Upgrades Statewide
Illinois American Water has announced its total investment in system improvements for the year 2024, revealing an extensive commitment to maintaining and upgrading water infrastructure throughout the state. By the end of the year, the company had invested more than $277 million in critical system upgrades and various improvement projects across its service areas. This substantial financial commitment reflects Illinois American Water’s ongoing dedication to ensuring that residents across the state continue to receive high-quality, safe, and reliable water services.
Since 2013, Illinois American Water has allocated an estimated $2 billion toward water and wastewater infrastructure improvements. This level of investment underscores the company’s focus on addressing aging infrastructure, ensuring overall safety, and complying with increasingly stringent regulatory standards set by federal and state agencies. These investments not only improve system efficiency but also enhance the resilience of the infrastructure to better serve customers and protect the environment.
Commitment to Infrastructure and Quality
Illinois American Water operates with a proactive and strategic approach to capital investments in water and wastewater infrastructure. Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water, emphasized the significance of these financial commitments, stating, “We continue to proactively and strategically invest in our water and wastewater infrastructure to continue providing safe, clean, reliable water services to our customers. The capital investments we make across our systems in Illinois provide strong, sustainable, and resilient infrastructure. This allows us to continue to meet or surpass water quality standards and environmental standards.”
Each year, Illinois American Water channels millions of dollars into infrastructure improvements, covering both routine maintenance and extensive upgrades to its treatment and distribution systems. These projects include enhancements to treatment plants, storage tanks, pump stations, and miles of underground pipeline infrastructure. Additional investments are made in water mains, fire hydrants, metering equipment, and related infrastructure necessary to ensure efficient service delivery to customers.
Major System Improvements in 2024
Illinois American Water has completed a wide range of projects throughout 2024, significantly enhancing the reliability and quality of water service. Some of the most notable projects completed this year include:
Alton Water Treatment Plant Upgrades
The company invested approximately $6.3 million in improvements at the Alton water treatment facility. These upgrades included the installation of advanced ultraviolet (UV) light equipment to bolster the treatment of water drawn from the Mississippi River. The implementation of UV light technology ensures a higher level of water purification by eliminating bacteria, viruses, and other contaminants. Additionally, the investment covered the installation of new service lines, pipes, and manholes, as well as system upgrades aimed at enhancing service reliability for local residents.
Jerseyville Facility Enhancements
A significant $31.5 million investment was directed toward improving the water treatment facility in Jerseyville. The goal of this investment was to enhance the delivery of clean, safe drinking water while improving the efficiency of chemical usage in the treatment process. By modernizing the facility’s treatment capabilities, Illinois American Water has ensured a more effective and sustainable approach to water purification, benefiting the community’s health and well-being.
Lincoln Water Treatment Plant Construction
One of the most ambitious projects undertaken in 2024 was the construction of a new, state-of-the-art water treatment plant in Lincoln, completed with an investment of $40 million. This facility boasts the capability to produce an estimated five million gallons of water per day, ensuring a reliable water supply for the region. The project also included the installation of a deeper water intake system to access cleaner source water, as well as modern electrical and security systems to enhance the facility’s overall efficiency and safety.
Additional Major Infrastructure Projects
In addition to the projects in Alton, Jerseyville, and Lincoln, Illinois American Water completed significant improvements at various other locations. Notable investments were made in water treatment plants in East St. Louis, Hardin, Cairo, and Nettle Creek Township, further strengthening the company’s water infrastructure across the state.
Investments in Water Mains and Distribution Systems
A major focus of Illinois American Water’s 2024 investment plan was the rehabilitation and expansion of underground pipeline infrastructure. A total of $67 million was allocated to projects aimed at installing, replacing, or rehabilitating over 42 miles of water mains. The maintenance and improvement of these pipelines are critical to preserving water quality, maintaining consistent water pressure, enhancing fire protection capabilities, and ensuring reliable service delivery. Additionally, $16.5 million was invested in rehabilitating more than 23 miles of sanitary sewer collection mains, helping to improve wastewater management and reduce environmental risks associated with outdated sewer systems.
Enhancements to Fire Hydrants and Valves
Fire protection is a crucial aspect of water infrastructure management, and Illinois American Water dedicated $6.8 million in 2024 toward replacing aging fire hydrants and valves. As part of this initiative, the company successfully replaced 345 fire hydrants and 782 valves throughout its service areas. These upgrades ensure that firefighters have access to adequate water pressure and flow rates when responding to emergencies, ultimately improving public safety.
Wastewater Treatment and System Upgrades
Illinois American Water recognizes the importance of maintaining and upgrading wastewater treatment facilities to protect the environment and public health. In 2024, the company allocated $27.2 million toward wastewater infrastructure enhancements, including:
- Blower improvements at the Godfrey Wastewater Treatment Plant to increase energy efficiency and optimize treatment processes.
- Lift station improvements in Tolono and Homer Glen, which enhance the transportation of wastewater to treatment facilities.
- Effluent sewer lining at the Alton Wastewater Treatment Plant, a project aimed at reinforcing aging sewer lines to prevent leaks and contamination.
These investments ensure that wastewater is effectively treated before being discharged into the environment, helping Illinois American Water meet stringent environmental regulations.
Long-Term Commitment to Community Investment
Illinois American Water’s investment strategy extends beyond infrastructure improvements—it also contributes significantly to local economies. The company’s proactive approach to capital investments supports economic development and job creation throughout Illinois. In 2024 alone, the company’s infrastructure projects contributed to the creation of more than 4,200 jobs, spanning roles in construction, engineering, and various skilled trades.
Rebecca Losli reiterated the importance of these investments, stating, “Illinois American Water is continually investing in the local communities where we operate, ensuring that water and wastewater infrastructure that is reaching the end of its useful life is replaced. Proactive capital investments are a crucial part of maintaining service reliability, water quality, and water flows for fire protection in every community.”
Future Investments and Innovation
As Illinois American Water looks ahead, the company remains committed to continued investment in water and wastewater infrastructure. Future projects will focus on sustainable water management, advanced treatment technologies, and digital monitoring systems to enhance operational efficiency and customer service.
In an era of increasing climate variability and regulatory demands, the company is also exploring new ways to enhance water conservation efforts, improve leak detection, and expand the use of smart metering technologies. By integrating cutting-edge technologies into its operations, Illinois American Water aims to provide more efficient and environmentally responsible water services to its customers.
