Illinois American Water Invest $4 Million to Supports Safe Drinking Water

Illinois American Water is investing approximately $4 million to construct Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection at its Streator water treatment plant. The new treatment technology will support safe drinking water for residents and businesses. As part of the project, two new UV reactors will be installed and will be capable of treating up to 6 million gallons of water a day. The project is expected to be completed this summer.

According to Brent O’Neill, Director of Engineering for Illinois American Water, UV technology is effective in inhibiting infection-causing microorganisms and adds another layer of protection for customers. When used to treat drinking water, UV disinfection addresses chlorine-resistant pathogens and microorganisms that could be present in surface water sources. The Streator water treatment facility uses the Vermilion River as its water source.

O’Neill said: “There is nothing more important than the quality of the product we deliver to our customers’ taps. This is why we continuously work to upgrade technology and treatment processes to deliver safe drinking water. We are excited to incorporate UV disinfection to our treatment process for particular water sources.”

The project will also help meet more stringent water quality regulations associated with the Environmental Protection Agency’s (EPA) Long Term 2 Enhanced Surface Water Treatment Rule.

According to O’Neill, Illinois American Water not only meets EPA drinking water guidelines, but the company “provides water quality which is better than required.” He added, “Our customers trust us with a critical service. They serve our product to their family, their children. We take our responsibility seriously and are proud to deliver quality drinking water to Illinois homes and businesses.”