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Maintenance, efficiency, new standards: East Moline officials plan water improvements

The article from *The Dispatch / The Rock Island Argus* discusses the ongoing upgrades to East Moline's water treatment and wastewater facilities, which are necessitated by aging infrastructure and new regulatory standards. The city has been investing in these improvements to ensure compliance with the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's (IEPA) regulations, particularly focusing on reducing phosphorus levels in wastewater. These upgrades include the replacement of old equipment, enhancement of treatment processes, and the construction of new facilities. The costs associated with these improvements have led to rate increases for residents, with water rates having risen by 3% in 2023 and wastewater rates by 4.5%. The city has also secured low-interest loans from the IEPA to fund these projects, aiming to balance the financial burden on taxpayers while meeting environmental standards. The article highlights the city's efforts to manage these costs through careful financial planning and seeking external funding to mitigate the impact on local residents.

Read the Full The Dispatch / The Rock Island Argus Article at:
[ https://qconline.com/news/local/government-politics/east-moline-water-treatment-wastewater-upgrades-rate-increases-standards/article_da9c7284-b991-11ef-8b90-9beed673980f.html ]