#United States #Illinois American Water #water conservation #Belleville #Earth Day

Illinois American Water's Celebration of Earth Day 2026

On April 21, 2026, Illinois American Water proudly highlighted its ongoing dedication to protecting local water resources in honor of Earth Day. With a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable operations, the utility company reaches approximately 1.3 million residents across Illinois. Its initiatives range from strategic investments in infrastructure to community engagement, aimed at ensuring clean water for current and future generations.

Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water, emphasized that safeguarding water involves proactive measures that begin well before it arrives at customers' taps. "Our employees are committed every day to strengthening infrastructure, safeguarding local waterways, and supporting the communities we serve," stated Losli.

One of the company's significant steps towards sustainable operations involves substantial investment in renewable energy projects designed to minimize environmental impacts. The Bradley Water Treatment Plant in Champaign and the San Koty Water Treatment Plant in Peoria have recently implemented solar installations, boasting over 12,000 solar panels. These initiatives are expected to offset greenhouse gas emissions equivalent to removing almost 25,000 cars from the road, a notable achievement in conservation efforts.

Celebrating Earth Day under the theme "Our Power, Our Planet," employees across Illinois American Water participated in various educational and community-focused initiatives. In Peoria, company members collaborated with the Sun Foundation's Clean Water Celebration to educate middle school students about the processes involved in treating source water for safe drinking. By understanding the complex journey of water from source to treatment and ultimately to tap, students gained valuable insights into water safety and quality.

In addition, Illinois American Water's Pontiac Water Treatment Plant served as a venue for the Farmer-Led Advances in Soil Health's "From Tile to Tap" field day. This event illustrated the importance of responsible land management practices, demonstrating how they can protect downstream drinking water sources. To enhance environmental efforts, the company has formed partnerships with local farmers to beneficially reuse water treatment residuals and wastewater treatment biosolids rather than sending them to landfills. This initiative has resulted in the application of thousands of tons of these materials to agricultural fields, enhancing soil health under strict regulatory guidelines.

Illinois American Water encourages its customers to engage in simple yet impactful measures at home that promote water conservation and protect water resources. Suggestions include fixing leaks, turning off the tap while brushing teeth, running full loads of laundry and dishes, and disposing of household hazardous materials responsibly. Additionally, the company reminds customers that Saturday, April 25, marks National Prescription Drug Take Back Day. This event allows individuals to safely dispose of unwanted medications at various drop-off locations across Illinois, preventing improper disposal that could harm water systems.

Losli concluded with a powerful reminder: "Small actions can make a big difference. When utilities, communities, and customers work together to protect water resources, we help ensure clean and reliable water for future generations."

For more information on Earth Day and resources for water conservation, customers are encouraged to visit the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's Earth Day website at epa.gov/earthday.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, providing services to around 14 million people with operations across 14 states and 18 military installations. With a rich history dating back to 1886, the company is dedicated to keeping life flowing by providing safe and reliable water and wastewater services.

About Illinois American Water

As a subsidiary of American Water, Illinois American Water serves as the largest regulated water utility within the state, employing approximately 600 dedicated professionals committed to delivering safe and dependable water services to around 1.3 million residents. The company also operates a quality control and research laboratory located in Belleville.