Press Releases
Belleville, Ill. (Aug. 18, 2025) – Beginning this week, Illinois American Water’s Metro East water system will undergo its annual temporary water treatment change that supports continued delivery of quality water and fire protection to homes and businesses.
The work performed by Illinois American Water’s crews includes flushing of water mains and fire hydrants in the Metro East communities served directly by Illinois American Water (communities listed below). The maintenance program will continue through October.
Temporary Water Treatment Change
Starting Monday, August 18, Illinois American Water’s water quality teams at the water treatment plants in East St. Louis and Granite City will be switching water treatment to a form of chlorine known as “free chlorine” which does not contain ammonia. This stronger disinfectant is typically used by water utilities when flushing water mains and fire hydrants. Chlorine is commonly used in public water systems as a disinfectant and is monitored closely by our water quality professionals. This process occurs annually.
During the temporary chlorine treatment change, customers may experience a more noticeable chlorine taste or odor in their tap water. There is no reason for concern. Institutions with additional water purification filters for special needs (hospitals and dialysis centers) have been contacted about the temporary treatment change.
Anyone with questions about their personal health and health care equipment should reach out to their health-care provider.
Fire Hydrant and Water Main Flushing For additional concerns, regarding potential water quality issues, contact the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency at 217-782-1020 or Illinois Emergency Management Agency at 800-782-7860. During this period, fire hydrants and water mains will be flushed. Through the discharge of water from the fire hydrant(s), water flow rates are increased to provide a scouring effect that removes mineral deposits that may accumulate in the water main. While the majority of mineral deposits are removed from the hydrant discharge, it is not uncommon for customers to experience a temporary discoloration of water within their residence or dwelling. The removal of these deposits is critical in maintaining water quality. When fire hydrant flushing occurs, customers should consider the following:
- If possible, avoid using water while flushing is taking place on your street or neighborhood. Use of water during the flushing event may result in discolored water entering the premise plumbing of the residence or dwelling.
- If you encounter discolored water during hydrant flushing, run water from the cold water tap only until discoloration subsides. Do not use hot water until discoloration is no longer present when flushing from the cold water tap. This may require flushing of cold water from multiple taps.
- Do not do laundry during, or shortly after, the hydrant flushing event. Discolored water may stain fabrics.
- If, after flushing from the cold water tap(s), water pressure appears lower than normal, clean the faucet aerator. Mineral deposits may obstruct flow through the aerator (screen), resulting in lower pressure.
- When water discoloration or pressure problems persist, contact Illinois American Water at 800-422-2782.
- For additional concerns, regarding potential water quality issues, contact the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency at 217-782-1020 or Illinois Emergency Management Agency at 800-782-7860.
ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
The maintenance program will occur in all direct service communities in the Belleville, East St. Louis and Granite City areas and also sale-for-resale (wholesale) communities. Direct customers of Illinois American Water are being notified via the company’s notification system which calls, emails and/or texts customers based on their preferences. Customers are encouraged to update their contact information so they can receive communications about water service emergencies and work. Customers can update their information online via MyWater. For additional information, customers can visit www.illinoisamwater.com.
Communities served directly by Illinois American Water in the Metro East:
- Belleville
- Brooklyn
- Cahokia Heights
- Canteen Township
- East St. Louis
- Fairmont City
- Granite City
- Madison
- Lovejoy
- Nameoki Township
- National City
- Sauget
- Shiloh
- St. Clair Township
- Stookey Township
- Swansea
- Venice
- Washington Park
- Livingston
Sale for Resale/Wholesale
- Bond Madison Water Company
- Cahokia Heights
- Caseyville
- Metro East Municipal Joint Action Water Agency (MEMJAWA)
- Columbia
- Cahokia Heights
- Millstadt
- Mitchell Public Water District
- O'Fallon
- Fairview Heights
- Pontoon Beach Water District
- Scott Air Force Base
- Village of Glen Carbon
- Village of Millstadt
- Village of Pontoon Beach
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, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 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 (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing 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.