Macomb Breaks Ground on $42.3M Water Treatment Plant

The City of Macomb has broken ground on a new $42.3 million water treatment plant at South Ward Street and West Grant Street in Macomb, Illinois. The project entered construction with a September 23, 2026, groundbreaking and is expected to open in December 2028.

The Galesburg Register-Mail reported on September 28, 2026, that the project is financed through an Illinois Environmental Protection Agency loan with $6 million in principal forgiveness. For contractors and equipment suppliers, the central scope is a new treatment facility that will modernize the city's aging water infrastructure.

Key Project Facts

• Project type: New municipal water treatment plant.
• Location: South Ward Street and West Grant Street, Macomb, Illinois.
• Value: $42.3 million.
• Owner: City of Macomb.
• Treatment scope: All-new equipment and a transition from surface water to groundwater.
• Capacity: Same capacity as the existing plant, according to the city's director of public works.
• Funding: Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Public Water Supply Loan Program; $6 million in principal forgiveness.
• Stage: Ground broken September 23, 2026.
• Timeline: Expected opening in December 2028.

New Plant Will Switch From Surface Water to Groundwater

WGEM reported on September 23, 2026, that the new plant will use groundwater rather than surface water from Spring Lake. City of Macomb Director of Public Works Alice Ohrtmann said the facility will have the same capacity as the current plant but will use all-new equipment.

That distinction matters when assessing the construction scope: the project is an equipment and treatment-source modernization, rather than a stated increase in initial treatment capacity. Macomb Mayor Michael Inman said the plant will meet current water needs and allow for future expansion.

Ohrtmann explained that surface-water quality changes frequently, requiring treatment to respond to incoming conditions. Groundwater offers a more consistent flow and water quality, making the source change a central part of the new facility's operating approach.

Equipment Integration and Operating-Plant Continuity

The combination of new equipment and a different raw-water source makes treatment-system integration an important consideration for contractors evaluating this project. Mechanical and electrical coordination could be particularly relevant to installation and startup of the new equipment.

The existing plant remains in operation. Ohrtmann told WGEM that operators have maintained water supply without interruption despite frequent equipment problems.

For contractors, that operating context makes coordination around the eventual transition to the new plant a key consideration. The work concerns an active municipal water system, not simply a standalone building.

December 2028 Opening Target and State Loan Financing

As of the September 2026 reporting, the new Macomb water treatment plant is expected to open in December 2028. The September 23 groundbreaking marks the project's move into construction after roughly a decade of development, according to WGEM.

The Galesburg Register-Mail places the project value at $42.3 million. WGEM identifies the financing vehicle as the Illinois Environmental Protection Agency's Public Water Supply Loan Program, while the Register-Mail reports that the loan includes $6 million in principal forgiveness.

Construction Trades Involved

With ground broken, the project is in its early construction phase rather than a preconstruction opportunity for initial site and foundation trades.

Later-stage trade categories that could potentially still be available include:

• Mechanical installation.
• HVAC.
• Plumbing.
• Electrical.
• Fire protection.
• Roofing.
• Insulation.
• Painting and coatings.
• Doors and hardware.

These are potential scope categories for a water treatment facility, not confirmed open bid packages or subcontract awards.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Macomb's new water treatment plant located?

The new plant is at the corner of South Ward Street and West Grant Street in Macomb, Illinois.

When is the water treatment plant expected to open?

The plant is expected to open in December 2028. Groundbreaking took place on September 23, 2026.

Will the new plant have greater treatment capacity?

Director of Public Works Alice Ohrtmann said the new plant will have the same capacity as the existing facility, with all-new equipment. Mayor Michael Inman said it will also allow for future expansion.

For contractors and suppliers tracking municipal water work, Macomb's project combines a $42.3 million investment with treatment-equipment modernization and a change in water source. With construction started, later-stage building systems and equipment coordination are the relevant areas to evaluate.

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