New ultraviolet water treatment system and enhanced plant filters highlight more than $7.5 million investment in delivering clean, safe and reliable drinking water in the Streator District.

A new, state-of-the-art, ultraviolet treatment system at the Streator water plant allows for an important, additional disinfection step in the water treatment process and further protects the local community’s drinking water.

According to Holly Hunt, Illinois American Water’s Operations Superintendent, Streator District, “The ultraviolet treatment system equipment adds additional treatment capabilities to the water treatment process without the use of additional chemicals. It is an effective, environmentally friendly solution, reinforcing our commitment to clean, safe and reliable water service to our customers.”

The equipment uses ultraviolet light to treat for bacteria and microorganisms that could be present in the raw water from the Vermilion River. As the water passes through the equipment, the ultraviolet lights emit a frequency that impacts organisms in the raw water.

“The new system is an additional line of defense to enhance our water quality and further protect our local customers,” said Hunt.

According to Brent O’Neill, Director of Engineering for Illinois American Water, ultraviolet technology is effective in inhibiting infection-causing microorganisms and adds another layer of protection for customers. When used to treat drinking water, ultraviolet disinfection addresses chlorine-resistant pathogens and microorganisms that could be present in surface water sources.

O’Neill said, “There is nothing more important than the quality of the water we deliver to our customers’ taps. This is why we continuously work to upgrade technology and treatment processes to deliver safe drinking water.”

The investment will also help meet water quality regulations associated with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

According to O’Neill, Illinois American Water not only meets EPA drinking water guidelines, but the company “provides water quality which is better than required.” He added, “Our customers trust us with a critical service. We take our responsibility seriously and are proud to deliver quality drinking water.”

Construction started in 2022 and the ultraviolet treatment system went into service in 2023. Project cost was $4.27 million. Vissering Construction of Streator performed the work. All work was completed by union workers.

Water Plant Filter Improvements

In addition, a $3.5 million project is underway to make improvements to two older water filters at the water plant. This project includes the construction of a structure over the plant’s sedimentation and flocculation basins for additional protection.

Construction began in late 2023 and is expected to be completed by the end of 2024. Vissering Construction of Streator is the contractor. All work is being done by union employees.

2024 marks the 25^th year that Illinois American Water has owned, operated and maintained the water system in Streator. Said O’Neill. “We continue to invest strategically in the Streator water system, with a focus on quality water and service.”

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.4 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

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