Illinois American to Build Market St. Water Tank in Champaign
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK) and a leading provider of essential water and wastewater services, today announced a significant investment in the Champaign community with the planned construction of a new water storage tank. This $4.5 million project, slated to begin in late 2025, will substantially enhance the overall water delivery system in Champaign, providing improved water pressure and bolstering fire protection capabilities for the growing municipality.
The new water storage facility will be strategically located just north of Interstate 72 (I-72). This location was carefully chosen to optimize its integration with the existing water infrastructure and ensure efficient water distribution throughout Champaign. The construction of this modern tank is a proactive measure to replace the current Market Street Elevated Tank, a 78-year-old structure situated just south of I-72 near Market Place Mall.
Ongoing and thorough inspections of the existing Market Street Elevated Tank have indicated that the aging infrastructure is nearing the end of its expected useful life. Originally constructed in 1947, the current tank has served the community for nearly eight decades. Recognizing the need for modernization and increased capacity, Illinois American Water is undertaking this project to ensure the continued reliability and quality of water service for Champaign residents and businesses.
Luke Esteppe, Director of Operations for Illinois American Water, emphasized the critical role of this investment in meeting the evolving needs of the community. “The new tank will nearly double the existing tank water storage volume of 1 million gallons to better support the Champaign community that has grown and expanded greatly over the past 80 years,” said Esteppe. This significant increase in storage capacity will provide a greater buffer during peak demand periods, ensuring consistent water pressure across the service area. Furthermore, the enhanced storage volume will directly contribute to improved fire protection capabilities, providing a more robust water supply for firefighting efforts when needed most.
Construction of the new water storage tank is anticipated to commence in late 2025, with an estimated completion date in late 2026. This timeline reflects the complexity of the project, which includes site preparation, foundation work, tank construction, and integration with the existing water distribution network. Illinois American Water is committed to minimizing disruption to the community during the construction phase and will provide updates to residents and businesses as the project progresses.
This upcoming water storage tank project is the latest in a series of substantial investments made by Illinois American Water in its Champaign service area over the past three years. These ongoing investments underscore the company’s commitment to providing safe, clean, and reliable water service to the community. Notably, the company has recently completed two significant projects at its Champaign water treatment plant, totaling an investment of over $13 million:
Lime Improvements Project ($9.62 Million):
Completed in early 2022, this critical project focused on upgrading the lime storage and delivery system at the Mattis Water Treatment Plant. The existing equipment, which had been in operation for 25 years, had reached the end of its operational life and was experiencing increasing reliability issues. The project involved the construction of a new, state-of-the-art lime storage and batch delivery system. This modernization consolidated the chemical handling facilities on the water treatment plant site, leading to significant improvements in operational efficiencies. Furthermore, the project allowed for the removal of the original chemical building, which was constructed when the plant was first established in the 1960s. River City Construction of Peoria served as the contractor for this important infrastructure upgrade.
Backwash Recycle Pump Station Improvements Project ($3.47 Million):
This project, completed in early 2024, involved the renovation of several key underground vaults associated with the facility’s backwash recycle system. The renovations were undertaken to provide safer and easier access to critical equipment, thereby facilitating improved maintenance and control over the pumps and valves integral to the recycle system. These improvements have significantly increased the overall reliability of the water treatment facility and enhanced its operational flexibility, ensuring a more consistent and dependable water supply for the Champaign community. River City Construction of Peoria also performed the work for this project.
These completed projects, along with the upcoming water storage tank construction, demonstrate Illinois American Water’s proactive and ongoing commitment to investing in the necessary infrastructure to support the growing needs of the Champaign service area. By modernizing its facilities and expanding its storage capacity, the company is ensuring the continued delivery of high-quality water service and enhanced fire protection for the community for decades to come. The $4.5 million investment in the new water storage tank is a testament to Illinois American Water’s long-term vision for providing reliable and essential services to the residents and businesses of Champaign.
