• Nearly two miles of aging water main to be replaced
WILKES-BARRE, PA, June 29, 2010 -- Pennsylvania American Water today announced upgrades to more than 10,000 feet of water main in the city of Scranton to improve reliability for customers, reduce service disruptions and increase water flows for firefighting. The combined cost of the system improvements is approximately $1.8 million.
"When completed, these projects will replace pipe dating back to the early 1900s, ensuring that we continue to provide reliable water service to our customers," said Anthony Gangemi, superintendent of field services, Pennsylvania American Water.
Starting in mid-July, the company plans to replace more than 2,000 feet of 16-inch water main along Meridian Avenue and Luzerne Street in the city's West Side.
Later this summer, nearly 2,000 feet of existing two-inch main will be replaced with new eight-inch pipe along Beech Street, and crews will install approximately 800 feet of new water main along Division Street. Pennsylvania American Water also plans to install 1,400 feet of eight-inch water main along South Webster Avenue, in conjunction with other utility work in that area. The company expects to complete the water main and hydrant upgrades, including final paving restoration, by early fall.
In addition, Pennsylvania American Water recently completed the installation of new pipe along the following Scranton streets:
• Gibson Street
• Paul Avenue
• Alpha Street
• Plum Place
• Garfield Street
During construction, customers might experience temporary service interruptions, discolored water and/or lower than normal water pressure. Crews will work as quickly as possible to shorten the length of these temporary inconveniences. For more information, contact Pennsylvania American Water's customer service center at 1-800-565-7292.
Pennsylvania American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water, is the largest investorowned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.2 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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