Peoria, Ill. (Feb. 24, 2014) – Illinois American Water’s Peoria District is investing approximately $800,000 to upgrade about 1,600 feet of 12-inch water main near the Main Street and University Avenue intersection in Peoria. The investment will enhance fire protection and water pressure to customers while helping to decrease future inconveniences caused by main breaks.
According to Chris Johnson, operations manager for the Peoria District, the project is part of an overall improvement to the infrastructure in the area. Johnson said, “The water main to be replaced in this area was installed in the early 1900s. By collaborating with the City of Peoria, we are able to make our necessary upgrades to enhance service and help decrease the overall inconvenience to residents during construction.”
Weather permitting, work will begin in early March. Illinois American Water is working with the City of Peoria and contractors to finalize the work schedule and ensure appropriate traffic detours during construction.
The work will result in lane closures. Traffic impact will be shared with local media by the City of Peoria throughout the duration of the project. Those traveling in the area should use caution and obey traffic signs and detour routes. The work may also temporarily impact water service to some customers. Information regarding impact to water service will be communicated to customers in the area directly via Illinois American Water door hanger notification.
The U.S. EPA reports that the nation’s water utilities will need to make more than $335 billion in infrastructure investments over the next 20 years 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 the Peoria District distribution system 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 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 more than 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 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 14 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.