SOLUTIONS FOR COMMUNITIES

We understand that every municipality has different water-related issues and challenges. Anticipating and addressing those challenges is what we do, every day.

We understand that communities face challenges with their water and wastewater systems due to aging infrastructure, growing demand, expanding regulatory and water quality requirements, and competing priorities. Illinois American Water is proud to provide solutions to address these challenges for communities across the state.

As a local business ourselves, we pay taxes and contribute to the local economy through employment, job opportunities and the investment we make in infrastructure. Our company and employees are actively involved in local civic and charitable activities, and we are proud to be good neighbors and environmental stewards in the communities we serve.

Our solutions are customized to fit the unique needs of a community’s water and/or wastewater systems. For more information or to find out how we may be able to help your community, please contact us.

Contact Us to Partner Together:

Chris Guy: Chris.Guy@amwater.com
Julie Polzin: Julie.Polzin@amwater.com
Brock Teichmiller: Brock.Teichmiller@amwater.com

HOW WE HELP COMMUNITIES

Investing to maintain and upgrade aging water and wastewater systems is critical for providing safe and reliable service. Over the next 10 years, American Water will invest $40 to $42 billion in the communities we serve in support of infrastructure renewal; resiliency; water quality; operational efficiency, technology and innovation; system expansion; and regulated acquisitions.

It can be difficult for water and wastewater systems to keep up with ever-increasing health and environmental regulations. Our team of water quality experts is at the forefront of research and compliance, working closely with regulators as new standards and treatment techniques are developed. We perform more than a million water quality tests each year so that our water and wastewater systems consistently meet or surpass all state and federal standards.

American Water supports the United States Environmental Protection Agency’s (U.S. EPA) efforts to protect public health by proposing national drinking water standards for PFAS. These contaminants are among the multiple challenges the water industry faces regarding water quality, quantity, and reliability. That is why American Water remains committed to being a leader in the U.S. water and wastewater industry and a provider of solutions to these challenges. Click here to read more about our approach to PFAS.

Many cities face numerous priorities that place a constraint on financial resources. The sale of water and wastewater systems can generate new revenue while eliminating future costs and liabilities of the systems. Net proceeds of the sale can be reinvested in the community to provide parks, streets and sidewalks, public safety, economic development, and fund pension liabilities. In addition to the sale proceeds, as a private business we also pay taxes each year that support schools and other local services.

The safe treatment and release of wastewater isn't something most of our customers ever think about; to us, it's critical, and we think about it every day. We can assume responsibility for all aspects of water and wastewater plant operations and facility and equipment maintenance. This includes all dewatering services and offsite sludge transportation, building security, maintenance and landscaping. We also provide odor abatement systems at the facilities we serve.

  • Pennsylvania - Scranton - Wastewater
  • Missouri - Arnold - Wastewater
  • Pennsylvania - York - Wastewater

Maintaining a reliable water supply can be a challenge for some communities. Our industry-leading experts develop customized plans to deliver an adequate water supply to communities. This includes constructing water towers or reservoirs, or leveraging our extensive production and distribution systems to provide drinking water through bulk water sale agreements. We work with communities to provide solutions to local water supply issues.

Maryland - Bel Air - Water

Water and wastewater is what we do. Our full-time professional staff has the operational and technical expertise needed to efficiently manage water and wastewater systems of any size. Our skilled workforce of 6,700 employees has the expertise to stay on top of industry challenges. We take great pride in hiring employees in the communities we serve and offer competitive wages and benefits.

Our customers are at the center of everything we do. We consistently rank in the top quartile of independent customer service surveys when compared to other utilities. Many of our states offer billing assistance through our H2O - Help to Others emergency assistance program. Additionally, we make it easy to access account and billing information through MyWater, our online portal for management of water and/or wastewater accounts.

We care about the communities we serve and are active in supporting local civic and charitable activities through financial contributions and volunteer hours. Since 2012, the American Water Charitable Foundation has invested $12 million in funding through grants and matching gifts that are important to our employees and our communities. Through its Employee Volunteer and Matching Gift Program, Employee Crisis Fund, Disaster Relief Program, and Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, the Foundation is making a difference every day in diverse communities throughout the country. Our mascot Puddles loves attending community events and is a hit with both the young and young at heart.

We’re committed to delivering value to our customers and the communities we serve by keeping our rates as low as possible while providing quality water and wastewater service. Because of our tremendous experience, industry expertise and size we’re able to maximize efficiencies through economies of scale, from our buying power to centralized business functions. Whether you’re concerned about operating costs or the rate impact of a big investment in your system, we’re happy to discuss how we can provide great value to your community.

Additional Resources

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In the News

Illinois American Water Acquires Village of Tolono water and wastewater systems

Villa Grove approves water and wastewater sale

Mt. Pulaski approves water and wastewater sale

Village of Jerseyville approves water and wastewater sale

Illinois American Water Completes Acquisition of Granite City Wastewater Treatment Facility

What about those against privatization?

As a community leader, it isn't uncommon to hear from groups or individuals with their own agendas. Similarly, water activists are unfortunately trying to take down private water operators with false and purposefully misleading information. These critics don’t understand the important role water companies play in towns and cities all across the country. Instead of offering communities real solutions to meet their water needs, these activist groups push false narratives and ideological arguments with distorted evidence and partial timelines.

Illinois Water System Viability Act

Communities throughout Illinois are looking for options to deal with their aging water and wastewater systems. Read more in the Illinois Water System Viability Act.

Supplier Diversity

We realize that to successfully fulfill our mission of providing safe and reliable water services to our customers and communities, the relationships we forge with our suppliers are key. 

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Engineers & Contractors

In our years of experience in the industry, we've seen all types of challenges, in all areas of the country, and have learned that a one-size solution doesn't fit all. Our teams have  experience in every stage, and in every facet of water and wastewater service solutions. For more information on our engineering and contracting services click below. 

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Project Examples

Over the years, and all across North America, American Water has had the opportunity to work on exciting projects of all sizes. Find out more on our American Water Solutions website.