Pennsylvania American Water announces $2M upgrade for Allegheny County

Pennsylvania American Water announced Thursday that it will begin installing approximately 2,800 feet of new water main in Allegheny County as part of approximately $2 million in improvements to the system.

The company said contractor work on the project to improve service reliability and fire protection will begin on Monday, Aug. 22.

The infrastructure upgrade project is an investment in public health and safety, the company said, and also supports the economic health of Allegheny County. Studies show that for every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, more than 15 jobs are created throughout the economy. Pennsylvania American Water’s infrastructure upgrade projects will support more than 3,700 jobs annually. It is slated to invest approximately $373 million in 2021 alone to improve water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems.

During the operating hours of the project (Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), normal traffic patterns will be in place. However, the company said it encourages motorists to find alternative routes and avoid the project area – along the north end of 2nd Avenue at the intersection of Lower Mill Street initially.

The company said customers might experience temporary service interruptions, discolored water, and lower than normal water pressure during construction. However, crews will work as quickly as possible to shorten the duration of the disruptions and the length of the construction project as a whole.

Pennsylvania American Water expects the project to be completed by late October 2022.