Aqua Illinois, a subsidiary of Essential Utilities (NYSE: WTRG), is moving forward with 14 water and wastewater infrastructure projects totaling nearly $40 million across Illinois, according to a company press release.

The projects will upgrade approximately 100,000 feet of water main and nearly 284,000 feet of wastewater infrastructure. Most construction is scheduled to begin or continue in the second half of 2026, with several projects extending into 2027.

Among the largest individual investments are the installation of approximately 29,500 feet of transmission water main serving communities in Kankakee County, replacement of approximately 4.8 miles of transmission water main in Philo, and replacement of approximately 8,700 feet of water main near Interstate 57 in Kankakee.

University Park will receive $3.75 million in combined water and wastewater improvements, including water main replacement, sewer line maintenance and manhole inspections. Additional projects will address infrastructure in Bourbonnais, Manteno, Willowbrook, Oak Brook, Nunda and Danville, including roughly $2 million for sewer lining in Bourbonnais and more than $2.5 million across two water main replacement projects in Danville.

"Reliable water and wastewater service depends on strong infrastructure," said David Carter, president of Aqua Illinois. "These projects allow us to address aging systems, improve performance and prepare our infrastructure to meet the long-term needs of the communities we serve."

The 14 projects are part of a broader five-year plan by Aqua Illinois targeting more than $492 million in infrastructure improvements for more than 280,000 residents statewide. Construction schedules remain subject to weather, equipment availability and other conditions.