Indiana American Water Completes $24.5 Million Water Main Infrastructure Project in Northwest Indiana

Project Improves Reliability, Enhances Fire Protection and Replaces More Than 100 Lead Service Lines 

GARY, Ind., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Indiana American Water recently completed a $24.5 million water transmission main project in Gary that will strengthen water service reliability, improve fire flow capacity, and modernize critical infrastructure serving customers throughout Northwest Indiana.

Construction began approximately four years ago and included the replacement of aging transmission and distribution mains that had experienced frequent breaks and service disruptions. The project is substantially complete, with only a final connection remaining at the company's Borman Park Water Treatment Plant.

The new infrastructure includes approximately 10,000 feet of water main, consisting of 6,000 feet of transmission main and 4,000 feet of distribution main that delivers water to neighborhood service lines. The project replaced more than 70-year-old 16-inch and 20-inch water mains with new 24-inch to 36-inch mains, enhancing water flow, improving system resiliency and helping meet current and future customer demand.

"This project represents a significant investment in the long-term reliability of our water system," said Albert Turner, engineering project manager for Indiana American Water. "The previous transmission main had experienced numerous breaks over the years, which affected operations throughout the distribution system. Replacing this critical asset helps ensure we can continue providing reliable service to our customers across Northwest Indiana."

The transmission main serves as a vital component of the company's water system, transporting treated water from Lake Michigan through the Borman Park Water Treatment Plant and into the regional distribution network.

In addition to replacing aging infrastructure, Indiana American Water increased system capacity in key areas by installing larger-diameter pipe to improve fire protection capabilities and support future community needs. The project included the installation of ductile iron transmission mains and PVC distribution mains designed to provide decades of reliable service.

"Part of this project was focused on modernizing our infrastructure and addressing facilities that had multiple needs for repairs," said Jacquelyne Byland, senior engineering manager for Indiana American Water. "By upgrading and upsizing portions of the system, we have improved reliability for customers while also increasing fire flow capacity for the communities we serve."

As part of the construction effort, Indiana American Water also replaced more than 100 lead service lines connected to the project area, further advancing the company's commitment to water quality and public health.

"Every service line connected to this transmission main that was identified as lead was replaced as part of this project," Byland said. "This work not only improved the performance of our water system but also supports our ongoing efforts to remove lead service lines from the communities we serve."

Rex Construction served as the primary contractor for the project.

This project is part of Indiana American Water's commitment to investing more than $200 million annually in water and wastewater infrastructure across Indiana. These investments help ensure safe, clean, reliable and affordable service while supporting economic development, enhancing fire protection and strengthening system resiliency for future generations.

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Indiana American Water
Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.5 million people. 

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SOURCE American Water