American Water begins water pipeline upgrades in US

American Water has initiated a $3.4m upgrade for water pipelines in Pennsylvania, and a similar upgrade in Illinois which is expected to cost around $1.2m.

Pennsylvania American Water will start construction for the upgrade which will involve installation of new water main in Sinking Spring, Wyomissing, Spring Township, Exeter Township and Amity Township.

The scope of work to be undertaken for Berks County Systems will involve replacement of 18,600 feet of outdated cast iron main lines which had been installed last in around 1940.

New eight-inch ductile iron pipe to be set up in its place is expected to improve the reliability of water service in the region besides offering fire protection.

On the other hand, Illinois American Water is set to complete a $1.2m investment for water line upgrade in Peoria District.

The utility intends to replace around 2,800 feet of 30-inch water main in the area, which was originally put in place in 1898.

Expected to be completed within the week, the upgrade will be able to increase the reliability of potable water in the region and ensure critical fire protection.

Illinois American Water Peoria District senior operations and production manager Roger Goodson said: "It also decreases the chance of main breaks in this area and future inconvenience to customers."

The upgrades are in line with the US EPA recommendations which suggest that the water utilities in the country are required to invest over $335bn for infrastructural developments to ensure public health and safety for the next two decades.