Illinois American Water temporarily switches to groundwater

Illinois American Water announced that it is temporarily changing the source water at its Cairo Water Treatment Plant, from the Ohio River to groundwater, due to historic low river levels.

CNN has reported that expanding drought conditions has brought new lows to the Mississippi River and its tributaries — including the Ohio River. For some tributaries, these levels are the lowest in more than a decade.

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.

The company says that some of its customers might notice minor differences in their water: the increased level of minerals in the groundwater can lead to hard water for some residents.

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