Indiana American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, has acquired the Town of Riley’s wastewater system in western Indiana $1.5m.

The acquisition adds nearly 460 wastewater customers to Indiana American Water’s customer base, which represents a population of over 1,240 residents.

Matt Prine – Indiana American Water President said: “The acquisition of this system will help hold rates down for Riley customers over the long term as needed investments are made and also provide access to operations and capital management water professionals and a number of customer service options and payment methods.

“Indiana American Water already provides water service to Riley and several nearby communities, so this allows us to bring greater efficiencies to customers in Riley and across Indiana.”

“In a time when communities are looking for new and innovative ways to deal with challenges they’re facing and hold the bottom-line on expenses, this acquisition is a great solution for the town and its customers.”

The acquisition of the Riley wastewater systems was approved by the Indiana Utility Regulatory Commission last month. The Riley system will be incorporated into Indiana American Water’s  Terre Haute district, which presently caters to nearly 72,000 residents.

Clayton White – Riley Town Council President said: “Our town has other pressing priorities and lacks the technical expertise or resources to continue running a sewer utility, especially given increasing environmental regulations.

“This acquisition will help us to address these concerns while also providing future rate stability by keeping our sewer rates lower than they would have been under municipal ownership, making needed improvements to the system, and generating additional property tax revenues.

“We appreciate the experience, knowledge and resources that Indiana American Water brings through this sale and we’re pleased with the many benefits it will provide to the town and its residents.”

  American Water, Clayton White, India, Indiana American Water, Matt Prine, Riley, Wastewater treatment