Illinois American Water is investing over $3 million to replace over 8,600 feet, or 1.6 miles, of water main throughout the Sterling water system. This work supports continued reliable service to homes, businesses and fire hydrants. Much of the water main installed will be larger in size to support water flow and pressure for continued water quality and fire protection.

The work in Sterling is expected to start this week and will occur in the following areas:

• Northland Park Apartments
• 15^th Avenue between E. 6^th Street and E. 14^th Street
• 29^th between Avenue E and Locust St.
• 7^th St. between Locust and Avenue I

According to Charlotte Dunne, superintendent of operations, announcing this work during National Infrastructure Week “is an opportunity to highlight the need for investment in aging infrastructure.”  American Water recently conducted a survey to better understand the knowledge gaps when it comes to water infrastructure. The results highlighted how much there is to learn when it comes to education on our water systems. To learn more visit American Water’s News Flow.

See related article: American Water Publishes 2021 Inclusion, Diversity & Equity Report and ESG Data Summary; Launches Interactive ID&E Website

Dunne explained the company works to replace water mains annually to keep up with aging infrastructure. She referenced the 2021 results from the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Report Card for America’s infrastructure, which supports increased investments in our nation’s drinking water and wastewater infrastructure. The ASCE Report Card has been issued every four years since 2001, last year ASCE gave the nation’s drinking water systems a C- and wastewater systems a D+ grade.

Dunne said, “These grades don’t represent Illinois American Water because of our continued, annual investment, but the findings do support our approach to update infrastructure and the need to move quickly on investments to enhance the resiliency on water systems for health, safety and local economies.”

While construction is occurring motorist should use caution when driving in the construction areas and obey traffic signs, detour routes and flaggers. Customers affected by a water main replacement project will be notified via a letter about the impact and any necessary steps. The letter will include a local contact for questions. In addition, Illinois American Water and the contractor(s) on the projects will provide continuous updates as work occurs. These updates may be provided via door hangers as well as via Illinois American Water’s customer notification system which contact customers via phone, phone and text, or email based on the customer preferences.

Source: American Water