Belleville, Ill. – September 19, 2026 -- Illinois American Water has completed the $770,000 acquisition of the City of Venice's wastewater collection system, adding roughly 500 customers to its Metro East operations near St. Louis. The deal, approved by the Illinois Commerce Commission on June 24, 2026, shifts Venice's wastewater collection, transportation and treatment fully under the utility's control.
Illinois American Water commits $2.6 million to Venice infrastructure over five years
The company plans upgrades including rehabilitation or replacement of wastewater mains and manholes, lift station improvements, and control and security enhancements at pump and lift stations. Prior to the acquisition, Venice customers received only transportation and treatment services from Illinois American Water; the utility now manages the full collection-to-treatment pipeline.
Venice becomes latest Metro East municipality to transfer wastewater assets to regulated utility
Illinois American Water already provides wastewater services in Alton, Granite City, Godfrey, Grafton, Jerseyville, Shiloh, Madison and other Metro East communities through regional systems. Venice Mayor Phillip White Jr. said the sale places the collection system "into the professional hands" of a utility with a 140-year service history in the region.
Illinois American Water President Rebecca Losli said the company would apply its operational expertise and local presence to enhance both water and wastewater service for Venice customers. The utility operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville and serves approximately 1.3 million people statewide.
Bill assistance programs remain available to qualifying Venice customers
Customers can access the Income-Based Discount Program, administered by the Dollar Energy Fund, which provides a monthly bill discount for eligible residential accounts. The H2O Help to Others Program, run by the Salvation Army and funded by company and customer contributions, offers one-time bill support for qualifying customers.