ST. LOUIS COUNTY, MO, Dec. 31, 2014 -- Missouri American Water -- a subsidiary of American Water, the nation's largest publicly traded water and wastewater utility company -- recently announced that it has set a new record in water main replacement in 2014, completing approximately 200 projects across St. Louis County.
The company's $70-million investment represents the highest level of pipe upgrades since the proactive main replacement program began about 20 years ago. Approximately 4,200 miles of water mains deliver about 200 million gallons of water per day to the 1.1 million people living in the county.
Many of the water mains replaced are 50 to 100 years old. Missouri American Water engineers strategically set priorities for water main replacement projects based on several factors -- including the age and material of the pipes and the history of main breaks. Equipment that uses infrared and acoustic technology also helps to evaluate the condition of the water mains.
The challenge of aging water mains is national in scope. The Environmental Protection Agency's Fifth Drinking Water Report to Congress estimates that nationally, water utilities will need to invest an additional $245 billion in water distribution systems over the next 20 years to sustain public health and safety.
See also:
"MO American Water to fund seven major watershed-improvement projects"
"American Water announces three major executive position changes"
About American Water
Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest publicly traded U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs approximately 6,600 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 40 states and parts of Canada. More information can be found at www.amwater.com.
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