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Illinois EPA takes action against Lawrenceville water superintendent

Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 1:59 PM

By Steve Anderson

The Illinois Environmental Protection Agency (IEPA) has reportedly taken action against Lawrenceville City Water Superintedent Aaron Tipsword.

The agency has revoked his Class 1 wastewater license as of Wednesday, May 20th of 2026 after an investigation into the city's wastewater treatment plant operation.

The IEPA alleges that gross negligence and gross misconduct in the operation of the facility and the failure to maintain and submit required records led to the action against Tipsword. Records show that he did obtain Class 1 certification in July of 2024. But after being promoted to superintendent and chief operator, those same records indicated he did not have the Class 1 certification required to run the wastewater treatment plant. Investigation is continuing.

The city has since hired E.J. Water to take over the wastewater operations. Tipsword does remain employed by the city as it's water department superintendent.