Pennsylvania American Water Initiates Significant Upgrades to Water Tanks
In a proactive move to bolster service reliability for its customers, Pennsylvania American Water has unveiled an ambitious plan to upgrade water storage tanks across the state. Announced to coincide with the annual Infrastructure Week campaign, the initiative involves an investment of $17.8 million in improvements targeted for completion in 2026. This commitment aims to ensure that residents continue to receive high-quality water service without interruptions.
The enhancement project encompasses the rehabilitation of seven existing water storage tanks along with the construction of two new tanks. The upgrades are intended not only to maintain consistent water pressure for daily use but also to improve fire protection capabilities and extend the overall lifespan of the infrastructure.
Tony Nokovich, vice president of engineering at Pennsylvania American Water, emphasized the critical role that water storage tanks play in delivering reliable service. He remarked, "These improvements help maintain consistent pressure, support fire protection, and ensure we can meet customer demand—both today and into the future." The upgrade work includes comprehensive inspections, sandblasting, and recoating of the tanks to shield them from corrosion and preserve water quality. Such measures are crucial in extending the life of the existing infrastructure and mitigating the necessity for more expensive replacements down the line.
Importantly, customers are assured that their water access will remain uninterrupted during these upgrade operations, reflecting the company’s commitment to fostering customer satisfaction throughout the development period.
Detailed Overview of Planned Improvements
Here are key details about the tank rehabilitation and construction projects that are scheduled:
Rehabilitation of Existing Tanks
The rehabilitation of seven existing water storage tanks will be carried out in the following counties and municipalities:
| County | Municipality | Cost | Capacity (gallons) |
|---|
| -- | ---- | --- | ------- |
| Butler | Saxonburg Borough | $416,300 | 250,000 |
| Lackawanna | Waverly Township | $332,200 | 500,000 |
| Lancaster | Bart Township | $728,000 | 2,000,000 |
| Monroe | Coolbaugh Township | $291,000 | 100,000 |
| Monroe | Hamilton Township | $379,100 | 500,000 |
| Union | East Buffalo Township | $700,000 | 1,000,000 |
| Washington | North Franklin Township | $1,030,200 | 2,000,000 |
Construction of New Tanks
To further enhance water service capacity, two new storage tanks will be constructed under the following specifications:
| County | Municipality | Cost | Capacity (gallons) |
|---|
| -- | ---- | -- | ----- |
| Dauphin | Derry Township | $8,000,000 | 2,000,000 |
| Monroe | Palmer Township | $6,000,000 | 500,000 |
Economic Impact
This investment significantly impacts not only public health and safety but also boosts local economies. Research indicates that for every million dollars dedicated to water infrastructure projects, approximately 10 jobs are generated across the economy. In 2025 alone, Pennsylvania American Water invested around $722 million to enhance its water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems, sustaining more than 7,220 jobs in the process. The current upgrade projects from 2026 are expected to support an additional 178 jobs.
For those interested in learning more about Pennsylvania American Water’s ongoing infrastructure investments, further details can be found on their official website.
About the Company
American Water, headquartered in Voorhees, New Jersey, is recognized as the largest regulated water and wastewater utility in the United States, celebrating 140 years in service. The company provides safe, clean, reliable, and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people in 14 states and operates on 18 military installations. As a subsidiary, Pennsylvania American Water caters to about 2.5 million residents in the state with dedicated and skilled personnel.
Residents can rest easy knowing that Pennsylvania American Water is committed to improving facilities that support their essential needs, ensuring healthy and reliable water for future generations.