Illinois American Water is investing more than $2.7 million to upgrade the Pontiac area water system. Work includes rehabilitating filters at the water treatment plant and replacing approximately 3,300 feet of water main. These investments support reliable service to homes, businesses, and for fire protection.
Six filters will be rebuilt at the Pontiac water treatment plant to support continued high-quality water service for years to come. Work to rebuild six filters began in 2019 and will be completed in 2021.
Corey Robinson, operations superintendent for the Pontiac District explained, rehabilitation of the filters is a part of continuous improvements being made to the local water system. These types of investments are needed across the nation to maintain and upgrade community water and wastewater systems. Illinois American Water invests $70-$125 million annually in water and wastewater improvements across the state to address aging infrastructure.
Approximately 3,300 feet of water main will be replaced in the Pontiac water system. The work will begin mid-summer and is expected to be completed in the autumn. The existing 2-, 4- and 6-inch water mains are being replaced with 8-inch water main.
Corey explained the upgrades include larger-sized water mains to support water flow and pressure for water quality and fire protection. “Through water main replacements we can address leaks, avoid water waste and continue providing safe, reliable service. Planned work of this nature is a safe, effective approach for our customers and employees.”
In 2020 the Pontiac water treatment plant and their water quality teams earned national recognition from the American Water Works Association (AWWA) Partnership for Safe Water Program. They were awarded the Directors Award for maintaining a Phase III certification for 20 years. This award is based on peer-reviewed self-assessment of plant operations and water quality data.
Do you have an article to share? Click here to submit. If you’d like to subscribe to our weekly newsletter, click here.
