Peoria, Ill. (July 1, 2013) – Illinois American Water’s Peoria District is investing approximately $1.5 million to enhance water service in Peoria. The investment includes replacing approximately 2,100 feet of 2-inch water main with 8-inch water main and transferring about 190 water services in Peoria’s El Vista Subdivision. This investment project will enhance and maintain water quality, reliability and fire protection.
According to Chris Johnson, Senior Operations Manager for the Peoria District, “This project will ensure reliable water service as well as provide easier access to water infrastructure.”
A majority of the existing water services included in the project are located at the rear of customer property. Transferring the services to the newer, larger main located in front of customer property will help to decrease main breaks. The project will also help to eliminate inconvenience to customers and their property.
Illinois American Water’s main replacement program focuses on replacing mains where leaks occur, corrosion has caused damage or the size of the pipe is no longer sufficient to meet current daily demands. “The age of the pipes coupled with corrosion makes main replacements and transferring services necessary,” said Johnson. “Illinois American Water continues to invest annually in its systems to ensure that local water quality and service continues to be as good as or better than local, state and federal quality standards.”
Once all service lines have been transferred to the new water main, the existing main will be disconnected and abandoned in place. Abandonment in place helps to avoid large scale disruption to customer back yards. The entire project, including restoration of customer properties, is expected to be completed by October 2013.
The U.S. EPA reports that the nation’s water utilities will need to make more than $384 billion in infrastructure investments by 2030 to ensure public health. These investments include replacing thousands of miles of pipe and upgrades to treatment plants, storage tanks and other assets. Illinois American Water’s investment in the Peoria District is just another example of continuous investments and improvements being made, helping to meet the demands of today’s customers and planning for the future.
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a wholly owned 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 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 15 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.