News Room
Illinois American Water to Host Ribbon Cutting for One Million Gallon Elevated Water Tank
From the Illinois American Water press release:
Champaign, Ill. (Sept. 22, 2016) – Illinois American Water’s Champaign County District, the Champaign County Chamber of Commerce and the Champaign County Economic Development Corporation will celebrate the new one-million-gallon elevated water storage tank located at 2814 Hundman Drive in Champaign. A ribbon cutting will be held on Sept. 28, 2016 at 1 PM.
According to Dave Farrar, Sr. Operations Manager for Illinois American Water’s Champaign County District, this investment of over $3 million ensures reliable water service to customers. “The water tower is a critical component of our water infrastructure. The new tank will help ensure adequate supply for residents, businesses and fire protection,” said Farrar. This investment includes a steel tank that was built mostly at ground level and now sits on top of a concrete shaft, comprising the composite-style elevated storage tank. According to Farrar, using concrete for the shaft was both less expensive and requires lower future maintenance.
The new water tank also welcomes visitors to the area with both Illinois American Water’s logo and the You’re Welcome logo, representing a community campaign to brand Champaign-Urbana as a hub for innovation, attract top talent and companies, drive economic development, and brag about our micro-urban community. Craig Rost, Executive Director of the Champaign County EDC, a leader of the You’re Welcome campaign, said, “We are proud to have the You’re Welcome logo on the water tower. This investment not only enhances our community visually, but ensures water service for economic development.”
The U.S. EPA reports that the nation’s water utilities will need to make more than $384 billion in infrastructure investments by 2030 to ensure public health. These investments include replacing thousands of miles of pipe and upgrades to treatment plants, storage tanks and other assets. Illinois American Water’s investment in the Champaign County District is just another example of continuous investments and improvements being made, helping to meet the demands of today’s customers and planning for the future.
Photos: https://www.facebook.com/YoureWelcomeCU/photos/?tab=album&album_id=1095203890555872
Video from the ceremony: https://www.facebook.com/YoureWelcomeCU/videos/1095139803895614/
To see photos & video of its construction, visit: http://champaigncountyedc.org/youre-welcome-cu-reaches-new-heights