Critical Water Utility Improvements

Below is a closer look at critical water utility improvements.  These improvements will be implemented in phases, with the "must be done" upgrades completed within 5 years, and other priority upgrades completed within 10 years.

Water Treatment Plant Improvements

Our water treatment plant has provided reliable drinking water to East Moline for over 70 years. As the system ages, we need to make important upgrades to ensure a reliable, and sustainable water supply for generations to come.

These improvements address immediate needs to ensure reliable service, but planning for additional, larger investments—such as a new water treatment plant—will also be critical within the next 15-20 years. The City will actively pursue all available federal and state funding sources to support these future upgrades to minimize the financial impact on our community.

Please visit Strand Associates, Inc. Water System Master Plan - Summary Presentation for more information.

Wastewater Treatment Plant Improvements

The East Moline Wastewater Treatment Plant urgently requires critical upgrades to meet the latest environmental standards, particularly the state-mandated reduction of phosphorus to a strict limit of 0.5 mg/L by 2030. 

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency mandates that our wastewater regional treatment plant meet our National Pollution Discharge Elimination System (NPDES) discharge permit. By law, the City of East Moline’s operators are responsible for complying with environmental regulations by ensuring efficient treatment occurs before discharge into the Mississippi River. Our NPDES permit lists parameters our regional wastewater treatment must comply with after years of research and analysis. One key parameter is phosphorus, a nutrient that, if left untreated, can devastate aquatic ecosystems, disrupting the delicate balance of life in our rivers and lakes. Our current equipment and essential contaminant monitoring systems cannot achieve the necessary phosphorus reduction levels, putting compliance at risk. 

To protect water quality in the Mississippi River and meet our obligations under the NPDES permit, upgrades are essential.

The estimated cost for these improvements is $92.9 million, a significant investment that will be implemented in phases to manage both financial and operational impact.

Capital Improvement Phase I: Ensure Compliance – critical equipment replacements and upgrades to be implemented to meet state-mandated regulations. These upgrades must be done within 5 years to ensure the City can meet regulatory compliance. 

Capital Improvement Phase II: Address Aging Infrastructure – replace, upgrade, or modify aging equipment, including pumps, electrical components, lift stations, and aeration tanks, which are nearing the end of their useful life and will soon be unable to function effectively. These upgrades are needed within 10 years to meet both regulatory compliance and community needs.

Please visit Strand Associates, Inc. Regional Wastewater Treatment Plant High Level Planning and Budget Development for more information.

Stormwater Management Improvements

East Moline’s stormwater system has protected our community from flooding and kept our waterways clean. To meet the challenges of aging infrastructure and new environmental standards, the City is taking steps to prioritize critical improvements essential for flood protection, improving water quality, and ensuring a resilient system for the future.

This proactive approach to stormwater management protects our homes, businesses, and environment, contributing to East Moline’s long-term resilience and sustainability.