Illinois American Water will invest more than $1.2 million in the Streator District to replace water mains, install new water mains and relocate customer services. Weather permitting, the water main projects will be completed by the end of the year.
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According to David Clifton, operations superintendent for the Streator District, completing the work will not only enhance water quality, but will help ensure critical fire protection to customers. Work includes:
- Replacing about 1,500 ft of 6-in. water main on Walnut Street with 12-in. water main. The project is taking place in the 1400 and 1500 blocks of Walnut Street and includes installing a new fire hydrant and replacing three existing fire hydrants.?
- Replacing and installing about 2,500 feet of water main along Route 23. Work includes the 1200 and 1300 block of N. Park Street, the 100 block of Grove Street, the 1200 block of N. Bloomington Street and 100 block of E. Bluff Street.
Illinois American Water?s main replacement program focuses on replacing mains where leaks occur, corrosion has caused damage or the size of the pipe isn?t sufficient. According to Clifton, the age of the pipes coupled with corrosion and sediment accumulation over the years makes the replacements necessary.
?The water mains we are replacing were installed over 50 years ago,? Clifton said. ?Upgrading this infrastructure is essential to ensuring quality water service.?
In addition to the projects listed above, about 200 ft of 16-in. water main will be replaced in the 500 block of S. Otter Creek Road. This work is being completed in partnership with the City of Streator and the Otter Creek Road storm water enhancement project.
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The U.S. EPA reports that the nation?s water utilities will need to make more than $335 billion in infrastructure investments over the next 20 years to ensure public health. These investments include replacing thousands of miles of pipe and upgrades to treatment plants, storage tanks and other assets.
