Pa. American Water plant recognized for 10 years of quality water service

Pennsylvania American Water’s West Shore treatment plant was recently recognized by the Partnership for Safe Water for achieving water quality excellence for 10 years running.

The national awards, which honor voluntary efforts to continuously optimize water treatment plant and distribution system operation and performance, were recently announced by the American Water Works Association.

Pennsylvania American Water Senior Superintendent Jeff Horton (left) accepts the West Shore Regional Treatment Plant’s Phase III Directors Award from Partnership for Safe Water representative Paul Zielinski.

“The dedicated employees who support our systems across the Commonwealth have worked diligently to deliver tap water that is safe, clean, reliable, and meets or surpasses state and federal drinking water standards,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran. “I am so proud of our team at the West Shore Regional Treatment Plant for receiving this Partnership for Safe Water award.”

By voluntarily participating in the Partnership for Safe Water, water service providers must carry out a rigorous review of their operational, financial, and managerial policies and practices and identify ways to improve performance as part of this program. To meet Directors Award requirements, surface water treatment plants must meet certain criteria and provide water service that — in some cases — surpasses what is required by federal and state drinking water standards. Long-term achievements of partners are celebrated with awards for maintaining consistent high-quality performance.

This year, Pennsylvania American Water’s West Shore Regional Treatment Plant was recognized for maintaining the Phase III Directors Award status for 10 consecutive years. Together with its Silver Spring Treatment Plant, Pennsylvania American Water’s West Store facility serves more than 40,000 customer connections — over 100,000 people — in the company’s Mechanicsburg water system.

“We’re proud of our incredible team of expert scientists, treatment plant operators, field operations employees, water quality staff, and engineers that support our water systems,” Doran added. “This impressive award demonstrates their commitment to protecting the health and safety of our customers.”

To date, just over 500 surface water treatment plants are part of the Partnership for Safe Water Program for treatment. Thirty-three of Pennsylvania American Water’s treatment plants have been nationally recognized with Directors Awards, and 18 of these plants have maintained this high level of service for 20 years or more.