PA American Water receives $25 million loan for pump station upgrades
Pennsylvania American Water will use a low-interest loan from the state, worth over $25 million, to make upgrades to its infrastructure in Center and Butler townships.
On Wednesday, July 16, Pennsylvania Infrastructure Investment Authority, also known as PENNVEST, announced an investment of $222 million across 21 counties for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater projects. Chief among these projects was a $25.1 million loan granted to upgrade six pump stations in Center and Butler townships.
According to a PENNVEST release, improvements will be made to the Fisher, Brewster and Brewster Booster pump stations in Center Township and the Greenwood, Benbrook and Bryson pump stations in Butler Township.
Pumps will see varied work depending on what is needed, with the most common work being the construction of new wet wells and the connection of existing sewers into them.
Wet wells are the tanks that collect wastewater and are responsible for transporting wastewater from lower to higher elevations when gravity flow is not possible, a spokesperson from Pennsylvania American Water said.
“The project will decrease wet weather sanitary sewer overflow events that affect the Little Connoquenessing Creek and Crooked Run, both cold-water fisheries,” the release said.
The spokesperson said the stations in question are over 50 years old and have therefore become increasingly prone to mechanical failures, inefficiencies, sanitary overflows and leaks during wet weather events.
“Replacing aging lift stations is essential to maintain system reliability, ensure public health and safety and comply with environmental regulations,” the spokesperson said. “Upgrading to modern, energy-efficient equipment also reduces maintenance costs and improves overall system performance.”
State Reps. Marci Mustello, R-11th, and Aaron Bernstine, R-8th, each released a statement regarding the investment into each of their districts.
“This is a smart investment that will improve the efficiency and resiliency of our regional wastewater infrastructure,” Mustello, whose district covers Butler Township, said. “These enhancements are essential in protecting public health, our natural environment, the longevity of the equipment at these facilities and the infrastructure itself. Furthermore, it prepares us better for future wet weather emergencies.”
“Strong infrastructure supports strong communities,” Bernstine, whose district covers Center Township, added. “These improvements will help ensure families and businesses in our region continue to have access to safe and reliable water service.”
The spokesperson said Pennsylvania American Water anticipates the start of these projects in 2026.
