Ill. American Water acquires City of Villa Grove water, wastewater systems

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, has acquired the City of Villa Grove’s 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.”

 “The city will benefit from capital investments we would not have been able to make without significant rate increases,” Eversole-Gunter says. “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.