To meet the water services needs of more than 37,000 people locally, Pennsylvania American Water is undertaking several key projects in 2006 in the Butler area.

These projects include distribution system improvement projects that are funded — with Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approval — by a portion of each customer's monthly water bill, known as the distribution system improvement charge (DSIC).

DSIC projects represent the company's and customers' investment in the water system infrastructure. These investments help to ensure service reliability and reduce the likelihood of main breaks and customer inconvenience.

In 2006, $46 million is the DSIC investment for Pennsylvania American Water, statewide. In Western Pennsylvania, including the company's Pittsburgh operations, $23 million is allocated for improvements.

In Butler, these projects are planned for 2006:

• Replacement of 500 feet of 6-inch cast iron pipe with 500 feet of 8-inch ductile iron main in Pleasant View Street. One new fire hydrant will be installed. Anticipated investment is $50,000.

• Replacement of 2,000 feet of 6-inch cast iron pipe with 2,000 feet of 8-inch ductile iron main in Whitestown Road. Two new fire hydrants will be installed. Anticipated invest is $120,000.

• Replacement of 300 feet 10-inch cast iron pipe with 300 feet of 12-inch ductile iron main. Anticipated investment is $25,000.

In addition to caring for its infrastructure, Pennsylvania American Water also cares for the softer side of its customers' needs via the "H-2-O — Help to Others Program."

In Pennsylvania, the "H-2-O — Help to Others Program" has provided financial assistance to tens of thousands of customers. One of American Water's premier customer assistance programs, Pennsylvania's H-2-O is administered by the Pittsburgh-based $1 Energy Fund and Conservation Consultants Inc.

The program provides grants to qualified customers to help pay an outstanding water bill, a 50-percent discount on a monthly service charge, water-saving devices and information on how to use water wisely.

Up to $60,000 per year contributed by customers is matched, dollar for dollar, by Pennsylvania American Water.

For 2006, Pennsylvania American Water increased its corporate contribution/customer contribution match to $100,000, making up to $200,000 in aid available.

Senior citizens, single women who are heads of households, and others on fixed incomes are examples of customers who benefit from H-2-O.

For information, call toll-free, 888-282-6816.