VOORHEES, NJ, May 17, 2013 -- With 15 percent of its nearly 9,000 miles of water and sewer mains approaching 100 years old and needing rehabilitation or replacement, New Jersey American Water is turning to new technology to make old pipes like new again. For its innovative work to rehabilitate more a 90 year-old pipeline in West Orange, the company received the New Jersey Action Alliance's 2013 Distinguished Engineering Award.
The New Jersey American Water project involved the cleaning and lining of more than 1,600 feet of water main that was installed in the 1920s. The inside of the six-inch diameter, unlined cast iron pipe was cleaned of sediment that had built up internally over time and then lined with 3M Scotchkote Liner, a durable epoxy coating that strengthens the pipe from within and adds decades to the pipe's useful life.
"We are honored to receive this award from the New Jersey Alliance for Action," said Suzanne Chiavari, vice president of engineering for New Jersey American Water. "Ultimately, the advances that we used in our engineering practices benefit our customers and help us bring reliable water service to the state's residents and businesses."
About NJ American Water
New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 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 6,700 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to an estimated 14 million people in more than 30 states, as well as parts of Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.
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