Work will also include flushing of water mains and fire hydrants
Belleville, Ill. (Feb. 21, 2021) – This week, Illinois American Water’s Metro East water system will undergo a treatment change as a part of a project to install Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection at the Water Treatment Plant located near East St. Louis.
This treatment change is temporary. Work will also include the flushing of water mains and fire hydrants. This work will occur across the Metro East water distribution system for the next month. A list of communities served by Illinois American Water’s Metro East system is located at the end of this release.
Ultraviolet Disinfection Installation
The new treatment technology will support continued delivery of safe drinking water to customers. As part of the project, five new UV reactors (4 in service and 1 backup) will be installed and will be capable of treating up to 56 million gallons of water a day. UV technology is effective in inhibiting infection-causing microorganisms and adds another layer of protection for customers. The project will also help meet more stringent water quality regulations.
Treatment Change
Illinois American Water’s water quality team will be switching treatment to a form of chlorine known as “free chlorine,” which does not contain ammonia. This stronger disinfectant is typically used by water utilities when flushing water mains and fire hydrants. Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality professionals.
During the temporary treatment change, customers may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in
their water. There is no reason for concern. This is due to the switch in chlorine types.
Institutions with additional water purification filters for special needs, for instance hospitals and dialysis centers,
have been contacted about this work and are aware of the treatment change. Anyone with questions about home
health care equipment should reach out to their health-care provider.
Fire Hydrant and Water Main Flushing
During this period, fire hydrants and water mains will be flushed. Through the discharge of water from the fire hydrant(s), water flow rates are increased to provide a scouring effect that removes mineral deposits that may accumulate in the water main. While the majority of mineral deposits are removed from the hydrant discharge, it is not uncommon for customers to experience a temporary discoloration of water within their residence or dwelling. The removal of these deposits is critical in maintaining water quality. When fire hydrant flushing is occurring, the following items should be considered:
- If possible, avoid using water while flushing is taking place. Use of water during the flushing event may result in discolored water entering the premise plumbing of the residence or dwelling.
- If you encounter discolored water during hydrant flushing, run water from the cold water tap only until discoloration subsides. Do not use hot water until discoloration is no longer present when flushing from the cold water tap. This may require flushing of cold water from multiple taps.
- Do not do laundry during, or shortly after, the hydrant flushing event. Discolored water may stain fabrics.
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If, after flushing from the cold water tap(s), water pressure appears lower than normal, clean the faucet aerator. Mineral deposits may obstruct flow through the aerator (screen), resulting in lower pressure.
– MORE – - When water discoloration or pressure problems persist, contact Illinois American Water at 800-422-2782.
- For additional concerns, regarding potential water quality issues, contact the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency at 217-782-1020 or Illinois Emergency Management Agency at 800-782-7860.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The maintenance program will occur in all direct service communities in the Belleville, East St. Louis and Granite
City areas and also sale-for-resale (wholesale) communities. Customers are being notified of this work by Illinois American Water via the company’s notification system which calls, emails and/or texts customers based on their preferences. Customers are encouraged to update their contact information so they can receive communications about water service emergencies and work. Customers can update their information online via MyWater or by calling 800-422-2782. For additional information, customers can visit www.illinoisamwater.com or contact Illinois American Water’s customer service center at 1-800-422-2782.
COMMUNITIES SERVED BY ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER’S METRO EAST SYSTEM
Communities served directly by Illinois American Water:
Cahokia Heights (Alorton, Centreville and parts of Cahokia)
Belleville East St. Louis
Brooklyn Fairmont City
Sauget Shiloh Washington Park Alorton
Swansea Canteen Township
St. Clair Township Stookey Township
Smithton Township Granite City
Madison Venice
Nameoki Township
Sale-for-resale (wholesale) communities:
Scott Air Force Base O’Fallon (Also provides water to Fairview Heights)
Glen Carbon Millstadt
Caseyville Columbia (which serves Prairie Dupont Water District)
Concordia Water District Waterloo Pontoon Beach Water District Mitchell Water District
Bond Madison Water Company which serves: Livingston, Hamel, Worden, Williamson, Pierron, Pocahontas, St. Jacob, Grantfork, Marine, Three County Water District and Alhambra.
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a customer service center in Alton and a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. For more information, visit www.illinoisamwater.com and follow Illinois American Water on Twitter and Facebook.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water (NYSE:AWK) is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
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