Jun. 17—Mark Misura, senior manager of operations, Pennsylvania American Water, said projects are prioritized based on several factors, including the need for larger mains to handle system demands, the age of existing pipes and the history of main breaks or service interruptions.
“We invest in our local infrastructure to continue providing crucial water service to our customers,” Misura said.
Pennsylvania American Water on Tuesday announced a more than $3 million system investment in two Luzerne County municipalities to replace more than 10,000 feet of water main.
The projects will replace water mains that date back to 1901 in parts of Kingston Borough and the City of Wilkes-Barre.
Misura said these upgrades will enhance reliability for customers, reduce service disruptions and improve water flow for firefighting.
In Kingston Borough, Misura said the company is installing new 8-inch ductile iron pipe, replacing existing 4- and 6-inch water main in the following areas:
—West Hoyt Street — from Maple Avenue to Wyoming Avenue
—North Gates Avenue — from East Hoyt Street to Pierce Street
—East Hoyt Street — from North Gates Avenue to North Thomson Avenue
—East Hoyt Street — from Wyoming Avenue to Rutter Avenue
In early June, Misura said the company began pipe replacement along several streets in Wilkes-Barre, replacing cast-iron pipe in the following areas:
—South Sherman Street — from Moyallen Street to Lehigh Street
—Dana Street — from Hazle Street to Park Street
—Noble Lane — from Dana Street to Moyallen Street
—Hanover Street — from South Main Street to Westminster Street
—Westminster Street — from Thomas Street to Hanover Street
—Austin Avenue — from Scott Street to Mill Street
Misura said crews will work on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Traffic restrictions will be in place during construction.
The company expects to complete the water main installation, including connecting all customer service lines to the new mains, along with final restoration and paving, by the end of November.
During construction, Misura said customers might experience temporary service interruptions, discolored water and/or lower than normal water pressure. He said crews will work as quickly as possible to shorten the length of these temporary inconveniences.
For more information, contact Pennsylvania American Water’s Customer Service Organization at — 1-800-565-7292.
Misura said the infrastructure upgrade projects are not only an important investment in public health and safety, they also help support the economic vitality of the community. He said economic impact studies show that for every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, upwards of 15 jobs are generated throughout the economy.
Statewide, Misura said Pennsylvania American Water invested approximately $675 million in 2024 alone to improve its water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems, supporting more than 10,125 jobs through these continued investments.
Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.