Our Stories
Wastewater infrastructure exists largely out of sight, yet reliability and performance of wastewater systems are essential to public health and environmental protection. Across the country, aging infrastructure, stricter environmental standards and limited resources have made it increasingly difficult for many community systems to maintain reliable, environmentally compliant service.
As the nation’s largest regulated water and wastewater utility, American Water approaches these challenges with a long-term perspective grounded in solutions that deliver economies of scale, technical expertise, capital investment, transparency and accountability.
Godfrey, Illinois
For years, the Village of Godfrey faced increasing pressure to modernize its wastewater system while operating under an EPA Consent Decree tied to sanitary sewer overflows. Limited financial capacity and an outdated rate structure left the community unable to address aging infrastructure or meet rising regulatory demands, placing system reliability and long-term environmental compliance at risk.
In 2019, Illinois American Water acquired the system and assumed responsibility for compliance and long-term stewardship. With access to capital and technical expertise, the company made significant investment in wastewater treatment plant upgrades, system rehabilitation, and delivery on requirements under EPA Consent Decree.
Today, the system is operating from a position of greater stability and long-term environmental sustainability. Proceeds from the transaction eliminated the Village’s capital obligations, enabling local leadership to reallocate resources and invest funds for future community needs.
Key Outcomes
- EPA consent decree requirements addressed and stabilized
- $30.9 million invested since acquisition; $32.2 million additional planned
- $20 million directed toward regulatory driven treatment upgrades
- Improved treatment performance and environmental compliance
Click here to learn more about wastewater solutions at American Water.