Open house and tour for community and elected officials held Nov. 14

LINCOLN, Ill., November 26, 2024--(BUSINESS WIRE)--This year, Illinois American Water has transitioned to a new water treatment plant in Lincoln that allows the company to continue providing high-quality water service to all customers in the community. Local elected officials and community stakeholders from the City of Lincoln were invited to tour the new plant on November 14.

The transition to the new, $36 million water treatment plant is part of the company’s ongoing commitment to maintaining the reliability and safety of the water provided to Lincoln customers, according to Kyle Smith, senior manager of operations, Western Division, Illinois American Water.

"We are excited about the new water treatment plant and benefits it brings to our customers and the community of Lincoln," said Smith. "This investment is a testament to our ongoing commitment to providing high-quality water service that our customers can depend on. It’s an investment today and for the future of Lincoln."

Illinois American Water invested $36 million in the new 5.0-million-gallon-a-day water treatment plant, located south of Broadwell Drive and east of Lincoln Parkway. The new plant replaces the South Water Treatment Plant, which was outdated, flood prone and had significant site-access issues. Constructed by Vissering Construction Company, the new Broadwell Water Treatment Plant was designed and built to efficiently treat water from the same groundwater source – the Mahomet Teays Valley Aquifer. "The raw water source remains the same so there are no changes to the quality of the water provided to Lincoln customers," said Smith.

The Broadwell Water Treatment Plant features a deeper intake which pulls water into the facility at a lower level than the South Water Treatment Plant, making it more resistant to drought risk. The new electrical and security systems add redundancy and protection to the plant during an emergency. The Broadwell Water Treatment Plant supports Illinois American Water’s ability to deliver clean, safe and reliable water that meets or surpasses regulated water standards.

The old South Water Treatment Plant was built in 1981 and the plant’s ground storage clearwell was built in 1930. Illinois American Water purchased the water system in Lincoln, which included the plant, in 2000. The old South Water Treatment Plant has been demolished, said Smith. "Through the transition to the new water treatment plant, Illinois American Water continues to prioritize the safety, reliability, and quality."