Streator, Ill. – September 12, 2026 -- Illinois American Water has invested $26.5 million over the past five years into its Streator Water Treatment Plant and distribution system, upgrades that serve roughly 7,600 customers, the company said following a legislative tour of the facility.
Ultraviolet disinfection system adds $4.1 million in treatment capacity
The company installed a new ultraviolet treatment system at a cost of $4.1 million, adding disinfection capability designed to treat bacteria and microorganisms that could be present in raw water drawn from the Vermilion River, the plant's source water.
Filter improvement project worth $3.7 million completed in 2024
A separate $3.7 million project upgraded two aging water filters and added a new structure over the plant's sedimentation and flocculation basins to protect the equipment from weather exposure. Construction on that project was completed in 2024.
State legislators tour plant to review infrastructure spending
Illinois State Senator Chris Balkema, Representative Jason R. Bunting, IL-District 105 candidate Tim Ruestman, and a delegate from Representative Dennis Tipsword's office toured the Streator facility last week to review the treatment upgrades. Balkema said the visit gave him confidence in the investments being made to meet drinking water regulations across the region, while Bunting said the tour highlighted how the utility is innovating to support aging community systems.
Engineering director frames spending as necessary for reliability
John Killips, Senior Director of Engineering at Illinois American Water, said the $26.5 million invested over five years is crucial for maintaining the company's ability to provide clean, safe and reliable water service to the plant's customer base.