Aqua Pennsylvania (Aqua) today announced it has completed $239 million
in infrastructure improvements throughout Pennsylvania since the
beginning of the year.
Aqua President Steve Tagert said the largest part of the company’s
investment was used to replace aging water mains throughout the state.
“A large part of our operations are in older areas of the Commonwealth
where some of our oldest water mains are located,” said Tagert. “That is
why more than half of the dollars spent—approximately $135 million—was
used to replace 136 miles of old pipe.” Tagert said that the $135
million included the replacement of associated service lines and
hydrants as well. “As we replace mains, we also replace everything
associated with the main including valves, hydrants and the service
lines, which carry the water from the main to the curb.”
Tagert said that while most of the program targeted aging water mains,
other Aqua improvements included upgrades to water treatment and water
storage facilities as well as its wastewater treatment facilities and
collection systems.
Aqua has six operating divisions throughout the state.
The Environmental Protection Agency’s fifth Drinking Water
Infrastructure Needs Survey and Assessment identifies investments needed
over the next 20 years for thousands of miles of pipes and thousands of
treatment plants, storage tanks and water distribution systems, which
are all vital to public health and the economy. The national total of
$384 billion includes $247.5 billion to replace or refurbish aging or
deteriorating lines.
This year’s program came on the heels of the company’s 2012 capital
program, which included $259 million in similar improvements throughout
the Commonwealth.
Aqua Pennsylvania serves approximately 1.4 million people in 31 counties
throughout the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. Visit www.aquaamerica.com
for more information.
WTRG
Copyright Business Wire 2013