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Pennsylvania American Water Hosts Public Officials for Tour of $3.6 McKean County Water Treatment Plant Upgrade

Kane, Pa. (Aug. 8, 2023) – Pennsylvania American Water representatives joined state and local officials today to tour infrastructure improvements at the company’s water treatment plant in Wetmore Township, McKean County.

The $3.6 million project includes improving safety, controls, and equipment related to the plant’s groundwater wells, which supplement its water supplies from spring sources during increased demand and when spring water is limited. These upgrades will help continue the safety, resiliency, and sustainability of the well sources.

 The upgrades also include rehabilitating and improving the filtration system and converting the disinfection system from chlorine gas to a much safer liquid alternative, sodium hypochlorite. This will also involve constructing a new storage facility containing large tanks and chemical system equipment to support the use of sodium hypochlorite.  “This major company investment will upgrade the plant’s water treatment processes, enhance operational efficiencies, and improve safety, while helping ensure this community’s drinking water continues to be safe, clean, and reliable,” said Pennsylvania American Water Senior Manager of Operations Jon Natale. “The switch to sodium hypochlorite will further enhance safety for our employees and the community.”  

The facility produces an average of 410,000 gallons of drinking water daily, serving approximately 2,100 customers in Kane Borough and portions of Wetmore Township.

"Today's tour exemplifies Pennsylvania American Water's dedication to providing clean water for our community," expressed Kane Borough Manager Don Paine. "We were given the opportunity to learn more about these investments and procedures that take place behind the scenes in ensuring that our community receives safe drinking water daily."

This year, the company is also improving its water and sewer systems in Kane Borough, installing 1.6 miles of new water main to enhance service reliability and fire protection and replacing 800 feet of aging sewer main. The total cost of these upgrades is around $2 million.

These infrastructure upgrade projects are an essential investment in public health and safety and help support the economic health of the communities we serve. Economic impact studies show that for every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, upwards of 15 jobs are generated throughout the economy. Statewide, Pennsylvania American Water invested approximately $490 million in 2022 alone to improve our water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems, supporting more than 7,000 jobs through these continued investments.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people. For more information, visit www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com and follow Pennsylvania American Water on Twitter and Facebook.


Media Contacts

Gary Lobaugh

Senior Manager, Government and External Affairs

724.944.5148

gary.lobaugh@amwater.com