PEORIA, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Illinois American Water is investing over $9.5 million in the Peoria area water system. Over $8.5 million of the investment is focused on the water distribution system. Another $1 million will support upgrading two water tanks at the water treatment plant.
WATER MAIN REPLACEMENTS
Planned water main replacements include replacing and installing over 6.6 miles of water main across the Peoria District. A map of the proposed work which will take place in Peoria, Bartonville, Farmington and surrounding areas can be viewed here – https://tinyurl.com/PeoriaWaterMainProjects.
According to Roger Goodson, senior manager of field operations and production, Illinois American Water’s water main replacement program focuses on replacing mains where leaks occur, corrosion has caused damage or the size of the pipe isn’t sufficient. He said, “These projects help ensure adequate water pressure and flow to homes and businesses for service and fire protection. The work will also help to reduce main breaks and related traffic and service impact.”
A significant project included in the distribution upgrades is located on Sheridan Road where water main breaks have increased. This project will include the replacement of over a half mile of water main in advance of an upcoming City of Peoria street resurfacing project.
While construction is occurring motorists should use caution when driving in the construction areas and obey traffic signs, detour routes and flaggers.
MAIN REPLACEMENT PROJECT CUSTOMER NOTIFICATION
Customers affected by a main replacement project will be notified via a letter about the impact and any necessary steps. The letter will include a local contact for questions. In addition, Illinois American Water and the contractor(s) on the projects will provide continuous updates as work occurs. These updates may be provided via door hangers as well as via Illinois American Water’s customer notification system, CodeRED.
CodeRED is a high-speed customer notification system which contacts customers via phone, phone and text, or email based on customer preferences. Customers are encouraged to log on to the company’s web self-service portal My Account (www.amwater.com/myaccount) to enter their contact information and preferences. Customers who do not have Internet access can contact the customer service center at 800-422-2782 to update their contact information.
Illinois American Water uses CodeRED to contact customers who have an Illinois American Water account; landlords should pass along alerts and notifications to their tenants. Tenants can also download the free CodeRED Mobile Alert app at www.ecnetwork.com/coderedmobilealert to receive location-specific notifications on their smartphone. They will receive Illinois American Water alerts and public safety information sent by local organizations using CodeRED.
WATER TANK REHABILITATION
Illinois American Water is investing approximately $1 million to extend the life of two elevated water tanks located at the Peoria Main Station Water Treatment Plant on Lorentz Avenue in Peoria. The work, which kicked off this spring, requires the tanks to be taken out of service. The tanks will not be taken out of service at the same time, rather the tanks will be worked on one at a time, requiring work to occur at the plant until the end of the year.
The wash tanks supply water used in critical filter washing at the water treatment plant. The tanks will undergo inspection and maintenance as well as painting to the interiors and exteriors. Tank painting will be completed via a rolling application to ensure the historic plant and surrounding area is protected. Each tank holds 560,000 gallons of water. They were originally installed in 1958 and 1975.
According to Lori Horstman, production superintendent, this investment will enhance the reliability and longevity of the tanks. “Water tanks play a vital role in our water distribution systems and serve as beautiful community landmarks. We are proud of the tanks at our historic water treatment plant and are excited to give them a facelift. This work not only improves the aesthetics of our system, but ensures high-quality water service,” said Horstman.
Water service will not be affected by the tank improvements. The quality of the water flowing to customers’ homes and businesses will not be affected and will continue to meet all federal and state water quality regulations. Once the work is completed, the tanks will be inspected and placed back in service.
The tank project is expected to be completed in December.
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 approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 7,100 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to more than 14 million people in 46 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to make sure we keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
