New Illinois American Water Treatment Plant in Cairo District Provides Groundwater to Customers

$10.9 million project began in April 2023 and was completed in August 2024.

Construction of a new $10.9 million groundwater treatment plant was completed this month in the Cairo District. The now operational groundwater plant has been built on the site of the original water treatment plant which utilized the Ohio River as its source of water supply.

According to Illinois American Water officials, the permanent switch to a groundwater supply was necessary to meet U.S. EPA regulations on surface water plants and it provides local customers with a more reliable, efficient source of water supply. The switch to a groundwater source was approved by the U.S. EPA, Illinois EPA and Illinois Commerce Commission.

“Cairo has a plentiful, healthy aquifer system,” said Brent O’Neill, Director of Engineering, Illinois American Water. “After considerable study, and with consideration of the aging of the original water plant, we determined a switch to a groundwater source was in the best interests of our customers in the Cairo District.” The new groundwater plant went online on August 26. Construction started in April 2023.

The groundwater water treatment plant project included the installation of a new building that contains pressure filters, chemical rooms, a new laboratory, plant operator room, and all associated water treatment equipment for a groundwater water source.

Plocher Construction Company (Highland) was the project’s contractor. All work on the project was completed by union contractors and employees.

Mike Brown, Senior Superintendent of Operations, Cairo District, said he expects a continued smooth transition to the new plant, “Groundwater is not new to our community. We have switched to a groundwater source in recent years because of flooding and temporary operational issues. This is an important investment in the infrastructure of our Cairo District.”

Illinois American Water monitors and tests the drinking water in the Cairo District continuously. Ongoing tests confirm the water continues to meet all regulatory water quality standards.

Cairo is the southernmost city in Illinois and the county seat of Alexander County.

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water's 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.4 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

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