Alert Notifications
Frequently Asked Questions About West Shore Water Pressure Increase
Q. What areas were affected in the final phase of the pressure increase?Between July 8 and July 22, Pennsylvania American Water increased water pressure in the following communities in Cumberland and York Counties:
On June 18, 2009, the Public Utility Commission approved a settlement agreement granting permission to Pennsylvania American Water to complete the pressure increase. Q. Why did Pennsylvania American Water raise the water pressure?The increase represented the final step of the company’s four-year, $60 million upgrade to its West Shore water system. With the pressure increase completed, Pennsylvania American Water has fully reintegrated its water infrastructure to ensure more reliable service and improved fire protection for our more than 35,000 West Shore customers. The reintegrated water system enables Pennsylvania American Water operators to effectively transfer water between the West Shore Water Treatment Plant and Silver Spring Water Treatment Plant. This is essential to meet added demand for water in the event of major fires or other major emergencies when large volumes of water need to be transferred through the systems. Furthermore, the project addressed the needs of many West Shore customers who had demanded improved water pressure for years. Q. How much of an overall pressure increase took place?Pennsylvania American Water raised the water pressure system-wide by an average 25 pounds per square inch (psi). In late 2008, the company increased the pressure approximately 11 psi in the affected areas listed above, with the final phase gradually increasing the pressure the remaining 14 psi. In June 2008, the company raised pressure at its Silver Spring Water Treatment Plant, but the change affected only the areas of Silver Spring, Hampden, and East Pennsboro Townships north of the Conodiguinet Creek, and one neighborhood of Camp Hill Borough near Holy Spirit Hospital. Q. What level of water pressure is considered normal?State law (PA Code 65.6) defines normal water pressure as being between 25 and 125 psi. Water utility companies are permitted to provide water service outside these parameters if necessary to provide adequate service to customers within the entire service area. Q. How can I find out what my water pressure is?Pennsylvania American Water will test your water pressure free of charge. You can call toll-free 1-866-641-2179 and request a pressure check for your property. Q. How do I know if I should install a pressure reducing valve?Pennsylvania American Water’s tariff guidelines, as approved by the Public Utility Commission, recommend that a pressure reducing valve (PRV) be installed if water pressure reaches 100 psi or above. However, many people prefer the higher pressure. Although the company is not required to do so, Pennsylvania American Water will install a pressure reducing valve free of charge when water pressure at an individual’s premise is 125 psi or higher. If needed, Pennsylvania American Water will test your water pressure free of charge. You can call toll-free 1-866-641-2179 and request a pressure check for your property. Q. Where can I get a pressure reducing valve?PRV’s are available from any plumber or building materials store that carries plumbing supplies. The cost of PRV devices typically ranges between $30 and $60. If you are not installing the PRV yourself, installation costs can vary so we recommend that you seek quotes from reputable, certified plumbers. Pennsylvania American Water has no authority over what plumbers charge for installation. Keep in mind, the PRV should be installed before the water meter. If your meter is located inside, this would be on the side of the meter closest to where the water line enters your home. If your water meter is located in a meter pit, the PRV should be installed in the meter pit on the inlet side of the meter. Q. Will Pennsylvania American Water install a PRV for me at no charge?In areas where pressure has increased as part of this project, the company will install a PRV free of charge when water pressure at an individual’s property is 125 psi or higher. For customers with pressure lower than 125 psi, their water service falls within normal operating pressures, so the decision and responsibility for installing a PRV is the homeowner’s. Q. What if a customer experienced property damage as a result of the pressure increase?If the water pressure at your property equals or exceeds 125 psi during the pressure increase in the affected areas, then for the 90-day period following the July 22 completion of the increase, Pennsylvania American Water will provide and pay for a contractor to repair any damage that occurs to the customer’s private service line up to the outside foundation of the building. In addition, if the water pressure at your property equals or exceeds 125 psi during the pressure increase in the affected areas, then for the 90-day period following the July 22 completion of the increase, Pennsylvania American Water will provide and pay for a contractor to repair damage that occurs to the customer’s internal water pipes and any water damage caused by leaking water pipes. This protection does not include damage to plumbing fixtures and appliances, such as hot water heaters, clothes washers, dish washers, faucets or shower heads. The company will file a claim with its insurer for consideration of the damages listed above. As previously stated, the company will arrange for the installation of a pressure reducing valve free of charge at an individual’s property, if the pressure equals or exceeds 125 psi as a result of the pressure increase. Q. How do customers file a claim to be reimbursed for property damage related to the pressure increase?Contact Pennsylvania American Water at 1-866-641-2179 if you experienced property damage that you believe was associated with the pressure increase. When you call this number, please provide your name, address and phone number, and explain the severity of the problem and whether the water has been shut off. Pennsylvania American Water will dispatch contractor crews to assess the situation, assist with cleanup, and file a claim with the company’s insurance carrier for consideration of the damages.
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