#United States #Water Treatment #East St. Louis #Illinois American

Major Improvements at Illinois American Water's Treatment Plant

In 2025, Illinois American Water's Interurban District has finalized major upgrades to its water treatment facility located along the Mississippi River near East St. Louis, Illinois. The investment of $157 million since 2019 highlights the commitment to enhance water reliability, quality, and safety for the community.

Historical Background of the Plant

The water treatment plant dates back to the late 1800s when it was built to serve East St. Louis and its surrounding areas. Over the decades, the facility has expanded and modernized to cater to the growth in customer demand. Today, it serves an estimated 75,000 metered customers—equivalent to over 350,000 residents in the Metro East region.

Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water, emphasizes, "The major investments to our East St. Louis plant over the past six years are strategic, significant, and sustainable. These projects enable us to deliver quality water service that meets or exceeds regulatory standards." The facility directly provides water to several communities, including Belleville, East St. Louis, and Fairmont City, while also serving others on a wholesale basis.

Key Upgrades and Enhancements

The renovation of the water treatment plant introduces a series of critical infrastructure improvements designed to boost operational efficiency and environmental sustainability:

• - Elevated Water Storage Tank: This new addition increases capacity and stability in water distribution.
• - Raw Water Pumps: Newly installed pumps come equipped with variable frequency drives, optimizing the intake process from the Mississippi River.
• - Backup Diesel Pump: In case of power outages, this high-service pump ensures continuous operations, maintaining vital water supplies.
• - Clear Wells: With the upgrade to two clear wells, the storage capacity has tripled, enhancing the treatment process.
• - Ultraviolet Water Treatment: This new, chemical-free system is crucial for eliminating pathogens in untreated water, ensuring a safer supply.
• - Enhanced Chemical Feed Systems: The transition from gas to liquid chemicals promotes safety for both employees and the surrounding communities, resulting in better overall water quality.
• - Upgraded Security Measures: Improved systems enhance safeguards against threats and emergencies, prioritizing the safety of the community.

Losli added, "These upgrades were executed over six years, enhancing not just our operational capacity but also our environmental footprint and safety measures."

Economic Impact and Community Benefits

The ambitious investment in water infrastructure is expected to create substantial economic benefits. According to the U.S. Water Alliance, every $1 million invested results in the creation of approximately 10 jobs. Since 2019, this project has contributed more than 1,500 jobs to the local economy, all facilitated through union contractors.

The East St. Louis water treatment facility is recognized nationally as part of the Partnership for Safe Water, an initiative designed to acknowledge water suppliers who consistently exceed EPA standards. Less than 150 plants nationwide hold this prestigious recognition, underscoring the high quality of service provided by Illinois American Water.

Conclusion

Illinois American Water's ongoing commitment to enhancing its water treatment infrastructure not only improves service quality but also prepares the community for future challenges. As Losli concludes, "Our focus on continual investment at the East St. Louis facility exemplifies our dedication to meeting the needs of today's customers while strategically planning for future demands. Continued investments nationwide are critical for maintaining essential water and wastewater infrastructure."This revitalization project is a testament to how thoughtful enhancements in utility services can lead to improved community outcomes, showcasing the importance of water infrastructure in daily life.