NewsRoom
illinois-american-water-to-switch-to-groundwater-source-due-to-low-ohio-river-levels

Illinois American Water to Switch to Groundwater Source due to Low Ohio River Levels

Source Water Change Supports Continued Reliable Service

Cairo, Ill. (Oct. 15, 2022) – To help support continued reliable water service in the Cairo area, Illinois American Water is temporarily changing its source water from the Ohio River to groundwater due to historic low river levels. Until further notice, Illinois American Water’s Cairo District will be using groundwater supplied by a well which is an alternate source of water supply at the Cairo Water Treatment Plant. 

This temporary change in water supply is necessary to support continued, uninterrupted water service in the Cairo District.  During this temporary change, some customers may notice minor aesthetic differences in their water.  The groundwater treated from the well has an increased level of minerals as compared to surface water.  This naturally occurring mineral content can result in hard water, which can cause spots on dishes and alter the appearance of heated water.  

Mike Brown, operation superintendent for the Cairo District, said, “The alternate supply was constructed to support reliable water service in the event of low Ohio River levels. Drinking water remains safe to drink and meets all drinking water standards.”

For more information about Illinois American Water please visit www.illinoisamwater.com. Customers can also call 800-422-2782 if they have questions. 

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville. For more information, visit www.illinoisamwater.com and follow Illinois American Water on Twitter and Facebook.

ILAW-JD-Power


Media Contacts

Karen Cotton

Senior Manager External Communications

NA

karen.cotton@amwater.com