This summer, Illinois American Water completed the installation of a sodium permanganate chemical feed system at its Hardin water treatment plant. The system has been operating successfully for the past month, showing early signs of improvement in the historic aesthetic discoloration issues within the community’s water supply. This installation marks a significant step in addressing these long-standing concerns.
Sodium permanganate, a chemical oxidant commonly used in water treatment, helps control taste, odors, biological growth, and remove manganese and iron. By better managing the natural iron and manganese levels in the raw groundwater, the system aims to improve the taste and appearance of the community’s water.
Illinois American Water continues to monitor and test Hardin’s drinking water, ensuring it meets all regulatory standards. Rachel Bretz, Director of Water Quality & Compliance, emphasized that while the new system is a positive development, it won’t provide an immediate fix. “It will take time and additional steps to reduce the iron and manganese already present in the system. Once levels are confirmed to be decreasing, we may need to flush all water mains to remove residual materials,” said Bretz.
The project also included the construction of a prefabricated building to store sodium permanganate and the addition of chemical feed and control equipment. This work was completed by local contractors, including Engineered Fluid, Inc., Loellke Plumbing, and Lowry Electric.
Additionally, over the past year, Illinois American Water has replaced seven fire hydrants and installed eight new ones in Hardin, covering about 25% of the community’s hydrants. Brendan St. Peters, Senior Supervisor of Operations, noted that a strategic plan for ongoing hydrant replacement and repair is in place, with close coordination between the company and the local fire department.
Hardin, the county seat of Calhoun County, is located about 43 miles southeast of St. Louis, near Jerseyville.
