On March 13, 2025, we gathered for our 36th Annual Meeting at the Effingham Event Center, reflecting on a year of significant growth, community service, and continued commitment to providing high-quality water to our members.
You can watch the full meeting here.
A Legacy of Growth
When EJ Water first began, we served just two counties – Effingham and Jasper. Today, we’re proud to provide reliable water service to 100,000 people across 19 counties. Our journey from humble beginnings to a robust regional water cooperative demonstrates our ongoing dedication to community infrastructure.
Despite necessary rate adjustments, we’ve maintained our commitment to affordability. Our water rates remain less than one penny per gallon – significantly lower than typical increases in the Consumer Price Index.
Major Projects and Investments
We’re excited to share our current strategic infrastructure development plans:
- Expanding the Delbert Mundt Water Treatment Plant with a new 250-million-gallon reservoir
- Constructing an elevated water tower in the Village of Coalton
- Upgrading water mains and meters in Owaneco
- Advancing the third phase of Richland County water main improvements
- Leveraging $2 million in RIPI funding to support our plant expansion project
Recognizing Our Team
We celebrated the dedication of our long-serving team members:
- Jared Mayhaus and Jared Miller: 10 years of service
- Stephanie Westendorf: 20 years of service
- Chuck Smedley: Retiring after 13 years on the board
Community Appreciation
As a special thank you, we awarded free water for a year to 20 lucky members! These members represent the heart of our cooperative – community-minded individuals who have supported our mission throughout the years. Congratulations to the following members:
- Anthony Stuckey
- Cathy Jo Waltz Gosnell
- Donna Waitkus
- Hans Kollinger
- Jeff and Janet Schultz
- John and Donna Spannagel
- Arthur Hewing
- Leonard Kocher
- Lois Dietrich
- Stephen Wells
- Laquita Campbell
- Tom & Linda Lidy
- Ruth Ellen Hawn
- Benjamin Ochs
- William Webster
- Dale Stremming
- David & Darlene Burgener
- Marie Wagner
- Doug & Laura Kocher
Looking Forward
Our theme this year, “Reservoir of Progress,” embodies our vision. We’re not just providing water; we’re building infrastructure, supporting rural communities, and creating sustainable solutions for generations to come.
We continue to test above EPA standards, maintain a certified water lab, and remain committed to delivering quality drinking water reliably and affordably.
