New backwash storage lagoon and new pumps highlight $3.4 million investment in delivering clean, safe and reliable drinking water to the Pontiac District.

Illinois American Water continues to invest in the infrastructure of its water treatment plant in the Pontiac District. Two important projects are underway:

High Service Pump Replacement

This project replaces four existing high-service pumps that have reached the end of their useful life with three new pumps that are appropriately sized to efficiently serve the Pontiac water supply system. The new pumps will allow the water treatment plant to provide a wide variety of flow rates to match the needs of the community.

According to Corey Robinson, Illinois American Water Superintendent of Pontiac Operations, “The new pumps will operate more efficiently than the existing pumps and reduce the amount of maintenance needed to operate the pumps.”

Union employees of G.A. Rich and Sons of Deer Creek are performing the work.

Construction started in 2024 and is expected to be complete by the end of 2024 or early 2025. The approximate project cost is $1.7 million.

Backwash Lagoon Improvements

This project will construct an additional backwash storage lagoon to allow for improved operations of the water filters and allow for more efficient removal of material from the lagoons during maintenance operations. The project is currently in the design phase.

Construction is expected to begin in late 2024 with completion anticipated for the first quarter of 2025. Project cost is an estimated $1.7 million.

Brent O’Neill, Illinois American Water Director of Engineering said, “There is nothing more important than the quality of the water we deliver to our customers’ taps and the communities we serve. This is why we continuously work to upgrade technology and treatment processes to deliver clean, safe and reliable drinking water.”

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

According to O’Neill, Illinois American Water not only meets EPA drinking water guidelines, but the company “provides water quality that exceeds local requirements.” He added, “Our customers trust us with a critical service. We take our responsibility seriously and are proud to deliver high-quality drinking water.”

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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