Pennsylvania American Water Announces $17.8 Million Statewide Water Tank Upgrade Plan
Pennsylvania American Water has unveiled a comprehensive $17.8 million infrastructure initiative aimed at modernizing water storage systems across the Commonwealth. Announced in conjunction with the start of the annual Infrastructure Week observation, the 2026 storage tank improvement plan is designed to bolster service reliability, ensure consistent water pressure, and provide long-term protection for water quality.
The expansive project includes a combination of rehabilitating seven existing water storage tanks and constructing two entirely new facilities. These Pennsylvania American Water tank upgrades represent a strategic effort to strengthen local fire protection and ensure the utility can meet the fluctuating demands of its growing customer base through both current and future years.
Securing Water Quality and Pressure Stability
Water storage tanks serve as more than just reservoirs; they are critical components of the hydraulic system that regulates the flow and pressure of drinking water to homes and businesses. Without adequate storage and maintenance, communities can face issues ranging from diminished water pressure during peak usage hours to insufficient supply for emergency services.
By focusing on these specific assets, the utility aims to mitigate the risks of corrosion and infrastructure fatigue. The upgrades are intended to stabilize the delivery of safe, high-quality water, which is a cornerstone of public health and community safety.
“Water storage tanks play a key role in delivering the service our customers depend on every day. These improvements help maintain consistent pressure, support fire protection and ensure People can meet customer demand – both today and into the future.”
Tony Nokovich, vice president of engineering at Pennsylvania American Water, emphasized that these proactive measures are essential for maintaining the integrity of the service customers rely on daily. The improvements are specifically engineered to prevent the degradation of water quality and to ensure that fire hydrants maintain the necessary pressure required for effective emergency response.
Expanding Capacity Through New Construction
A significant portion of the 2026 investment is dedicated to increasing the total storage capacity of the system. To address rising demand, the company is moving forward with the construction of two major new water storage tanks in Dauphin and Monroe counties. These new assets will provide the necessary buffer to handle peak consumption periods and enhance the overall resilience of the local water networks.
| County | Municipality | Estimated Cost | Capacity (Gallons) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dauphin | Derry Township | $8,000,000 | 2,000,000 |
| Monroe | Palmer Township | $6,000,000 | 500,000 |
The construction in Derry Township represents the largest single investment within this year’s plan, providing a massive 2-million-gallon boost to the local infrastructure. Meanwhile, the project in Palmer Township will add an additional 500,000 gallons of capacity to the Monroe County service area.
Proactive Maintenance and Tank Rehabilitation
In addition to building new capacity, the utility is implementing a rigorous rehabilitation schedule for seven existing tanks. This process is not merely cosmetic; it involves technical inspections, sandblasting to remove old coatings, and the application of new, protective layers. This method is a critical defense against corrosion, which can compromise both the structural integrity of the tank and the purity of the water held within.
The company noted that these proactive upgrades are designed to extend the operational life of existing infrastructure, which ultimately helps the utility avoid the much higher costs associated with full-scale emergency replacements. Importantly, Pennsylvania American Water has stated that customers should not expect any service interruptions while this rehabilitation work is being carried out.
The scheduled rehabilitation and repainting projects will take place in several key municipalities across the state:
- Butler County: Saxonburg Borough ($416,300; 250,000-gallon tank)
- Lackawanna County: Waverly Township ($332,200; 500,000-gallon tank)
- Lancaster County: Bart Township ($728,000; 2,000,000-gallon tank)
- Monroe County: Coolbaugh Township ($291,000; 100,000-gallon tank)
- Monroe County: Hamilton Township ($379,100; 500,000-gallon tank)
- Union County: East Buffalo Township ($700,000; 1,000,000-gallon tank)
- Washington County: North Franklin Township ($1,030,200; 2,000,000-gallon tank)
The Economic and Public Health Impact
Infrastructure investment of this scale serves as a dual-purpose driver for both public safety and regional economic health. Beyond the immediate benefits of reliable water, these projects contribute to the local labor market. According to industry research, every $1 million invested in water infrastructure can generate upwards of 10 jobs throughout the broader economy.
The 2026 tank projects alone are expected to support more than 178 jobs. This follows a massive period of investment by the utility; in 2025, Pennsylvania American Water invested approximately $722 million into improving water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems, a move that supported over 7,220 jobs statewide.
As the largest regulated water utility in Pennsylvania, serving approximately 2.5 million people, the company’s ability to maintain and expand these systems is vital for the state’s continued economic vitality and the protection of public health standards.
The company will continue to provide updates as these construction and rehabilitation projects progress throughout the year. Residents can monitor the status of local infrastructure efforts through the official Pennsylvania American Water website.
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