Aqua Pa. Tackles Aging Pipes with $3.5M Investment

Aqua Pennsylvania is undertaking a significant water infrastructure improvement initiative, investing nearly $3.5 million to replace over 7,000 feet of aging drinking water mains with new ductile iron piping. These projects, scheduled for completion by fall, are designed to enhance service reliability and minimize water main breaks.

These upgrades are part of Aqua's broader commitment following its 2023 acquisition of the Shenandoah water system. The company has already invested $8.5 million of an expected $23 million over ten years. Recent work in Shenandoah includes replacing aging mains and adding fire hydrants, addressing issues like a catastrophic leak that occurred earlier in the year.

Concurrently, Shenandoah Borough is navigating difficulties with its separate wastewater treatment system. Financial strains, exacerbated by substantial uncollected sewer bills, are leading to potential sewer rate increases. The borough has also had to redirect funds to address a prior loan for a sewage treatment plant replacement that never materialized.

Officials are now focusing on rehabilitating and upgrading the existing wastewater plant, a pivot from constructing a new facility due to escalating construction costs. This revised plan requires approval from environmental agencies, and the borough is actively seeking funding for the necessary repairs.