Illinois American Water Invests in Waycinden Service Area
Illinois American Water is investing approximately $2.4 million in infrastructure improvements in the Waycinden service area located in Mount Prospect, Ill. The Waycinden water system serves an area in western Des Plaines and eastern Mount Prospect, and is located roughly three miles northwest of Chicago's O'Hare Airport.
The drinking water supply for the system is purchased from the City of Des Plaines and then pumped into the distribution system through the Beau Street booster station. The system also includes a standpipe storage tank on Linneman Road. A new elevated water spheroid tank is being constructed to replace the aging standpipe.
Richard Hermann, senior manager of field services & production for the Chicago Metro Division of the company, explained the importance of the project to the area. He said, "The replacement and conversion from a standpipe to elevated storage tank will improve operational efficiency as well as allow for the continued supply of safe and reliable drinking water service to customers." He continued, "The project will also enhance emergency and fire protection capabilities within the service area."
Construction of the new 600,000 gallon steel tank began earlier in the year and is planned to be in-service by the end of October 2016. The design will require minimal land use and reduce environmental impact.
The U.S. EPA reports that the nation's water utilities will need to make more than $384 billion in infrastructure investments by 2030 to ensure public health. These investments include replacing thousands of miles of pipe and upgrades to treatment plants, storage tanks and other assets. Illinois American Water's investment in the Chicago Metro District is just another example of continuous investments and improvements being made, helping to meet the demands of today's customers and planning for the future.
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.2 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Illinois American Water ranked "Highest in Customer Satisfaction with Water Utilities in the Midwest" according to J.D. Power's 2016 Water Utility Residential Customer Satisfaction StudySM.
American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. Marking its 130th anniversary this year, the company employs 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and market-based drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 15 million people in 47 states and Ontario, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.