Pennsylvania American Water begins water and sewer system upgrade projects

Pennsylvania American Water, a state subsidiary of utility giant American Water, has started construction projects, estimated to cost $9.7m in total, to upgrade its water and sewer systems serving customers in western Chester County and a portion of Lancaster County.

Sewer system improvements for the City of Coatesville and Valley Township are expected to involve an investment of around $3.2m.

The remaining $6.5m has been allotted for the water main rehabilitation work planned for the West Sadsbury Township, Atglen Borough, Sadsbury Township (Lancaster County) and Bart Township (Lancaster County).

The sewer upgrade will involve installation of a new 30-inch PVC sewer main pipe along and underneath Valley Road.

According to Pennsylvania American Water Coatesville Operations superintendent James Gable, the work is aimed at replacing the ageing sewer infrastructure to increase its service reliability and collection capacity in anticipation of the growth in the western end of the system.

Construction works for the sewer project is likely to start this week and is expected to be completed by December.

The firm will also renovate an existing water main line extending for approximately 50,000ft or over nine miles through the communities of West Sadsbury Township, Atglen Borough, Sadsbury Township and Bart Township.

Works for the project will involve cleaning and slip lining of an existing 24-inch cast iron water main which was installed in 1904.

Expected to be completed by February 2016, the project will be able to improve the water quality and ensure service reliability for customers.

Gable said: "With this significant investment of close to ten million dollars, Pennsylvania American Water is demonstrating its commitment to replace and upgrade ageing infrastructure, so that our customers receive reliable water and wastewater service for many years to come."

The firm has also announced eight million dollars of ageing water main line upgrade in Washington County and allotted another four million dollars for similar upgrades in the Mon Valley.