HERSHEY, PA, March 12, 2015 -- Today, Pennsylvania American Water (PAW) announced its 2015 plans to rehabilitate 15 key existing water storage tanks across the commonwealth. The company's rehab program of inspecting, sandblasting and repainting tanks will extend their service life, protect water quality and continue to provide fire protection for the community.
The combined cost of the tank projects is approximately $6.7 million. These upgrades follow the company's investment of approximately $10 million in 2014 to rehab 13 existing tanks and erect four new storage structures (see "PAW plans $10M water storage tank rehab, construction campaign"). PAW owns and maintains more than 290 storage tanks across the state.
"Storage tanks are essential to our community water systems by helping ensure reliable water service to meet customer demand and provide fire protection," said President Kathy L. Pape of PAW. "The rehab projects are a prudent, proactive investment to extend the tanks' lifespan, which is more cost-efficient than replacing the structures."
To rehabilitate the tanks, crews will strip the original paint and apply a new protective coating, which serves as a barrier that prevents the steel from rusting and compromising water quality. During construction, PAW does not expect customers to experience service interruptions. The projects include mitigation procedures to ensure that paint fumes and dust levels are in compliance with air pollution control requirements mandated by local health departments and the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection.
For a complete list of the existing tanks planning to be rehabilitated, click here.
See also:
"PA American Water accepting entries for 13th annual 'Protect Our Watersheds' art contest"
"PA American Water kicks off sixth annual 'Stream of Learning' Scholarship Program"
About PA American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.1 million people. 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. For more information, visit www.amwater.com.
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