Illinois American Water to Invest $5.7 Million in Sewer, Water System Upgrades

Illinois American Water’s Peoria District today announced it will invest over $5.7 million to improve its distribution system. The investment includes installing over four miles of water main in Peoria, Limestone Township and Bartonville. In addition, 11 pressure-reducing valves will be installed in the system’s high service zone in Peoria for main break reduction. Weather permitting, crews will begin work in early September, starting at various times with total completion of this work by the end of the year.

Pressure Reducing Valves

In the Peoria District’s high service zone, water main breaks have been trending up in recent years, a problem amplified by high operating pressures. Eleven new pressure reducing valves will be installed to help reduce pressure in those areas from over 100 psi to closer to the recommended 80 psi. This investment will enable stable water pressure and help reduce future water main breaks.

According to Christian Volz, engineering manager for the Peoria District service area, Illinois American Water continuously looks for opportunities to improve system operations.

“Our engineering team investigates every water main break and determined this to be the best, most prudent approach to help prevent water main breaks and reduce related service and traffic impact from those breaks, Volz said.”

The pressure reducing valves will be installed in Peoria in the following locations:

  • West of Willow Knolls at W. Willow Knolls & W. War Memorial
  • South of War Memorial at W. Willow Knolls & W. War Memorial
  • South of War Memorial at W. Baring & W. War Memorial
  • North of Camille at W. Camille & N. Hamilton
  • West of Melody at W. Glen, between N. Melody & N. Glen Park
  • North of Clarewood at N. University & W. Clarewood
  • West of Sheridan at N. Sheridan & W. Lake
  • South of Lake at N. Sheridan & W. Lake
  • East of California at E. War Memorial & N. California
  • South of London at E. London & Atlantic
  • West of Dayton at E. Rouse, between Dayton & Columbus

Once the pressure reducing valves are in place, Illinois American Water’s engineering team will determine the appropriate time to bring the new pressure system online. This is expected to occur next year.

When that phase of the project occurs, customers will be contacted via Illinois American Water’s customer notification system regarding any impact to water service and necessary steps.

Main Replacement Work

Illinois American Water’s main replacement program focuses on replacing mains where leaks occur, corrosion has caused damage or the size of the pipe isn’t sufficient. As part of this program, over four miles of water main will be installed in Peoria, Limestone Township and Bartonville.

“We invest annually to ensure that local water quality and service continues to be as good as or better than local, state and federal quality standards,” Volz said. “These projects will benefit all of our customers because they help ensure adequate flow to homes and businesses for service and fire protection.”

Customers affected by the work will be notified via letter about the impact and any necessary steps. The letter will include a local contact for questions.

 

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