Latest news with #IllinoisAmericanWater
Yahoo
15-07-2025
- Health
- Yahoo
Illinois American Water issues notice after high lead levels in drinking water
PEORIA, Ill. (WMBD) — A Drinking Water Notice was issued Monday Illinois American Water Co., for the entire city of Peoria after 14 of 103 water samples exceeded 'action level' lead quantities. While legally, a notice to the entire community was required as more than 10% of the samples exceeded safe lead levels, the company said this does not indicate a community-wide issue, and that they are in contact with those who may be affected. Illinois American, along with other water companies, are required by state and federal law to test water from different homes and businesses for lead and copper, mostly focusing on areas with existing lead service lines, the company said. The 14 sites that tested high had more than 15 parts per billion, which is above the action level, the water company said, adding 'for context, one part per billion is roughly the equivalent of one drop of liquid in an Olympic-sized swimming pool.' An attempted to reach an Illinois American spokeswoman for clarification was not immediately successful. They said that no water coming from their treatment plants has any lead, but water can get in the water from several factors, including lead service lines serving older homes, lead solder in plumbing, and some faucets made before 2014. The following are steps the company is taking in response to the results: Water Sampling and Monitoring: Conducting additional lead and/or water quality monitoring to determine the extent of the situation as well as any site-specific concerns. Customers interested in sampling should make a request by sending an email to Leadfreeil@ Corrosion Control: Completing an assessment of the company's current corrosion control treatment used to determine if changes are recommended. Lead Service Line Inventory and Replacement: Illinois American Water has a lead service line replacement program in place that will replace any known lead service lines over the course of the next several years. Since 2020, Illinois American Water has replaced almost 2,500 lead service lines in the Peoria District and plans to replace approximately 930 more by the end of the year. Customers can identify and report the material of their water service line on our online map. For more information on service line identification, replacement, and our inventory map, visit: There are also many steps customers can take to reduce the chance of their exposure. Flush your taps. Lead levels increase over time as water sits in lead-containing plumbing materials and regular water usage in the building can reduce lead levels in drinking water. If the water in your faucet has gone unused for more than six hours, flush the tap with cold water for 30 seconds to two minutes before drinking or using it to cook. If your service line is lead, you may need to flush the water for three to five minutes. To conserve water, catch the running water and use it to water your plants. Use cold water for drinking, cooking and making baby formula. Hot water has the potential to contain more lead than cold water. If hot water is needed for cooking or baby formula, heat cold water on the stove or in the microwave. NOTE Routinely remove and clean all faucet aerators. Check to see if your interior plumbing or faucets contain lead and replace any that do. Look for the 'Lead Free' label when replacing or installing plumbing fixtures. Follow manufacturer's instructions for replacing water filters in household appliances, such as refrigerators and ice makers, as well as home water treatment units and pitchers. Look for NSF 53 certified filters. Flush after plumbing changes. Changes to your service line, meter, or interior plumbing may result in sediment, possibly containing lead, in your water supply. Removethe aerator from each faucet and run the water forthree to five minutes. Use alternative source of water, such as bottled water, if part of an at-risk population, such as pregnant persons, infants, and young children. According to the company, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency says risks of exposure to high levels of lead include lower IQ and attention spans for infants and children, an increase in existing learning and behavior problems, and adverse health side effects for children of women exposed to lead during pregnancy. A copy of the release can be found on the Illinois American Water website. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Business Wire
01-07-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Illinois American Water Expands Income-Based Discount Program
BELLEVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Illinois American Water is increasing the income threshold for customers to receive assistance through its Income-Based Discount Program, beginning July 1, 2025. The program aims to support more customers paying their monthly water and/or wastewater bills. 'Our goal is to make water and wastewater service affordable to our customers while continuing to make strategic investments in our water and wastewater infrastructure.' 'The expansion of the Illinois American Water Income-Based Discount Program will help our residential customers who need financial help the most,' said Rebecca Losli, president, Illinois American Water. 'Our goal is to make water and wastewater service affordable to our customers while continuing to make strategic investments in our water and wastewater infrastructure.' Illinois American Water has partnered with Dollar Energy since August 2023 on the income-based discount program. As part of the program, approved water and/or wastewater customers receive a monthly discount on their water and/or wastewater bill. Starting July 1, 2025, the Income-Based Discount Program eligibility threshold is moving from 150% of the Federal Poverty Level to 300% of the Federal Poverty Level. The expansion includes moving from a flat 70% discount on the volumetric/usage charge portion of the bill to a four-tiered approach that provides greater discounts to our customers who need assistance. The four tiers, which can be viewed in detail on the Dollar Energy website, apply to both the usage charges and the customer charge. Losli noted that customer and community feedback led to Illinois American Water's expansion of the program, approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission (ICC): 'Our customers and community leaders wanted a more inclusive program. We listened, and so did the ICC.' For questions about the program, or to apply for the Income-Based Discount Program, customers can call Dollar Energy at 1-888-282-6816 or they can apply directly at the company's website that includes an income calculator and a link to the application. Once enrolled in the Income-Based Discount Program, customers will be required to recertify their number of household members and income information on an annual basis to remain enrolled in the program. The Income-Based Discount Program is available in addition to Illinois American Water's H2O Help to Others customer assistance program, administered via the local Salvation Army chapter. 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 6,700 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 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 safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Business Wire
30-06-2025
- Automotive
- Business Wire
Illinois American Water Reminds Motorists to Move Over for Safety
BELLEVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--As the National Safety Council's National Safety Month ends, Illinois American Water reminds motorists to move over for safety. Throughout June, Illinois American Water employees were featured on the company's Facebook page through the social media #moveover campaign. Posts highlighted Scott's Law and the importance of moving over for law enforcement, emergency, utility and other vehicles displaying warning lights. Moving over doesn't just protect us—it also protects motorists. At the end of the day, we all share the same goal: to get home safely. Share Scott's Law, 625 ILCS 5/11-907(c), is a mandatory move over law in the state of Illinois. The law requires all motorists to move over when encountering stopped or disabled vehicles displaying warning lights. Since 2000, all fifty states have enacted some form of a 'Move Over' law. Illinois expanded the 'Move Over' requirements to motorists with their hazard lights activated along highways. Scott's Law was named in honor of Scott Gillen of the Chicago Fire Department who was struck and killed by a drunk driver while assisting at a crash on a Chicago Expressway. When approaching a stationary emergency vehicle that is displaying or flashing warning lights, Illinois motorists must: Slow down Drive with caution Move over to another lane Reduce speed if changing lanes is unsafe When entering a highway construction area, Illinois law requires motorists to: Slow down Discontinue wireless use Yield or change lanes away from any authorized vehicles or workers in the area Laron Cole, a field service representative in Illinois American Water's Granite City service area, participated in the company's #moveover campaign to remind motorists that behind every utility worker are loved ones who want them to return home safely at the end of each day. Cole said, 'We understand the work we do can cause temporary inconvenience and disrupt traffic. That's why we work as quickly and safely as possible to restore services and return roadways to normal. We never take shortcuts which could compromise safety. Our friends and neighbors can help by slowing down and moving over when they see us working.' He added 'Moving over doesn't just protect us—it also protects motorists. At the end of the day, we all share the same goal: to get home safely.' To learn more about Illinois American Water's commitment to safety, please visit 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 6,700 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 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 safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Business Wire
24-06-2025
- Business
- Business Wire
Illinois American Water Recognized for Excellence in Water Quality by Partnership for Safe Water
BELLEVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Illinois American Water's Pontiac District Water Treatment Plant and Streator District Water Treatment Plant have received the Partnership for Safe Water (PSW) 25-Year Directors Award for water quality excellence. The awards, which honor the efforts in continuously optimizing water treatment plant and distribution system operation and performance, were recently announced by the American Water Works Association (AWWA). 'This achievement reflects the efforts of our incredible team, who are dedicated to maintaining high standards and helping to protect the health and safety of customers.' Share 'At Illinois American Water, we are pleased to be recognized in delivering safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water to our customers,' said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. 'This achievement reflects the efforts of our incredible team, who are dedicated to maintaining high standards and helping to protect the health and safety of customers.' The Pontiac District Water Treatment Plant delivers water to 4,500 customers per day; The Streator District Water Treatment Plant delivers water to 7,700 customers per day. Illinois American Water continually demonstrates its ongoing commitment to improving the quality of drinking water delivered to customers by optimizing its system operations. Through PSW, long-term achievements are celebrated with awards for maintaining consistent, high-quality performance and commitment to optimization at the water treatment plant or distribution system. Learn more about the PSW awards here. About Illinois American Water Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Associated Press
27-05-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
American Water Charitable Foundation & Illinois American Water Launch Inaugural Hydration Station Grant Program
BELLEVILLE, Ill.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--May 27, 2025-- The American Water Charitable Foundation, a 501(c)(3) organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the U.S., along with Illinois American Water, announced today it is now accepting applications for its inaugural Hydration Station Grant Program from eligible organizations within its service areas. This new initiative aims to boost confidence and trust in tap water and reduce single-use plastic waste by providing sustainable hydration options in public spaces. 'We're committed to providing access to clean, safe and reliable water service,' stated Rebecca Losli, President of Illinois American Water. 'Through funding provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, this program is designed to make safe and healthy hydration with tap water more accessible in public spaces while promoting environmental stewardship.' Selected recipients will receive funding to purchase reusable water bottle filling stations, enhancing public access to sustainable water sources. Eligible facilities must be a 501(c)(3) organization, K-12 public school, college or university located within Illinois American Water's service territory and be open to the public. Recipients will be responsible for installation and associated costs. Funding for the Hydration Station Grant Program will be provided by the American Water Charitable Foundation, as part of its State Strategic Grant Program, focused on high-impact projects and initiatives throughout American Water's national footprint. State Strategic grants are part of the Foundation's Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focused on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. For more information and to apply, visit the Hydration Station Grant Program page of Illinois American Water's website. Deadline to apply is June 20, 2025. 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 6,700 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 and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram. About American Water Charitable Foundation The American Water Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides a formal way to demonstrate the company's ongoing commitment to be a good neighbor, citizen, and contributor to the communities where American Water and its employees live, work and operate. For more information, visit About Illinois American Water Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. View source version on CONTACT: News Media Contact Anna Kubas Senior Manager, External Communications Illinois American Water [email protected] KEYWORD: ILLINOIS UNITED STATES NORTH AMERICA INDUSTRY KEYWORD: UTILITIES NATURAL RESOURCES SUSTAINABILITY ENVIRONMENT ENERGY PHILANTHROPY OTHER NATURAL RESOURCES FOUNDATION SOURCE: Illinois American Water Copyright Business Wire 2025. PUB: 05/27/2025 11:13 AM/DISC: 05/27/2025 11:12 AM
