Acquisition expands wastewater service in Metro East; Approximately $2.6 Million in Capital Investments Planned During Next Five Years
BELLEVILLE, Ill., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Illinois American Water today completed the acquisition of the wastewater collection system in the City of Venice for $770,000. The newly acquired system adds approximately 500 wastewater collection service customers and expands the company's wastewater operations in the Metro East area near St. Louis. The acquisition agreement, which was approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission on June 24, 2026, highlights Illinois American Water's commitment to deliver safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services by making necessary system investments and improving operational efficiency for this community.
"This sale places our wastewater collections system into the professional hands of Illinois American Water," said Venice Mayor Phillip White Jr. "Their employees focus on water and wastewater only, and we look forward to continuing the positive working relationship we have with them."
For more than 140 years, Illinois American Water has provided water service to Venice and communities throughout the Metro East. The acquisition expands the company's commitment to serving the region and providing solutions for local water and wastewater infrastructure needs.
"We are pleased to add additional service to our customers living in the City of Venice," said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. "Our team looks forward to leveraging our operational experience, expertise, local presence and long-term commitment to infrastructure investment to enhance both their water and wastewater service needs for years to come."
Illinois American Water plans to make $2.6 million in capital investments and improvements in the Venice wastewater collection system over the next five years. Planned improvements include:
- Upgrades throughout the wastewater collection system including rehabilitation or replacement of wastewater mains and manholes
- Lift station improvements
- Control and security enhancements at pump and lift stations
Illinois American Water currently provides wastewater services in several Metro East communities, including Alton, Granite City, Godfrey, Grafton, Jerseyville, Shiloh, Madison and areas served through regional wastewater systems. Prior to the acquisition, Venice customers received transportation and wastewater treatment services from Illinois American Water. Now, customers will receive wastewater collection, transportation and treatment services.
Venice businesses and residents will be receiving additional information from Illinois American Water about their wastewater collection service. Customers can continue to take advantage of the company's customer service benefits, including online account management, payment options and billing information via Illinois American Water's self-service website, MyWater.
Illinois American Water also offers two bill paying assistance programs for qualifying customers needing help paying their bills. The Income-Based Discount Program, administered by the Dollar Energy Fund, provides eligible residential customers with a monthly discount on their bill. The H2O Help to Others Program, which is administered by the Salvation Army and supported by company and customer contributions, provides one-time bill support to customers who qualify. More information about these and other affordability programs is available on the company's website at www.illinoisamwater.com, under Customer Service & Billing, Customer Assistance Programs.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Illinois American Water
Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.
Media Contact:
Anna Kubas
Senior Manager, External Communications
Illinois American Water
Anna.Kubas@amwater.com
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SOURCE American Water
