VILLA GROVE, Ill.–(BUSINESS WIRE)–Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, announced today, the acquisition of the City of Villa Grove water and wastewater systems for $11 million. The newly acquired systems add approximately 1,489 water and 1,069 wastewater customers to the Company’s eastern Illinois service area.
“Our team is excited to serve our new customers in Villa Grove and expand our footprint in Douglas County,” said, Justin Ladner, president of Illinois American Water. “Since 2020 we have had the privilege of partnering with over 11 communities across Illinois through acquisitions, sharing our expertise and making critical investments in aging systems.”
According to City of Villa Grove Mayor Cassandra Eversole-Gunter the sale of the water and wastewater systems to Illinois American Water, “will provide the residents of Villa Grove with industry experts focused on upgrading the water and wastewater systems.” She continued, “The city will benefit from capital investments we would not have been able to make without significant rate increases. With Illinois American Water as a long-term partner, we are able to invest in our future while keeping rates stable.”
Illinois American Water is planning to invest approximately $21 million in the first seven years of ownership to upgrade the City of Villa Grove water and wastewater systems. Work will include replacing water meters, water mains, fire hydrants and wastewater main. Improvements to lift stations, including replacing pumps, will improve system reliability. Safety and security systems will also be upgraded. Illinois American Water also plans to design and construct a new wastewater treatment plant to support system reliability and community growth.
Brian Wiemers, senior manager of operations for Illinois American Water’s Eastern Division said, “We are happy to expand our services and knowledge to Villa Grove. We are looking forward to supporting the community and partnering with the City of Villa Grove. We appreciate the City’s trust and confidence in our team.”
New customers will receive an Illinois American Water welcome packet in the mail. This packet includes information about online account management, billing and more. To learn more about Illinois American Water and hear from communities the company has partnered with, visit Partnering with Us under About Us at www.illinoisamwater.com.
About Illinois American Water
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 wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
About American Water
With a history dating back to 1886, American Water 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 more than 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 diversityataw.com. Follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.
ILLINOIS AMERICAN WATER WAS RANKED HIGHEST IN CUSTOMER SATISFACTION WITH LARGE WATER UTILITIES IN THE MIDWEST THREE YEARS IN A ROW!
For J.D. Power 2022 award information, visit jdpower.com/awards.
Contacts
Media Contact: Karen Cotton, Sr. Manager External Communications, Karen.Cotton@amwater.com
