Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, provides water and wastewater service to more than two million people.

The company owns and operates 38 water treatment facilities, three wastewater facilities and 8,900 miles of pipeline to serve customers in more than 368 communities in 35 counties.

In Butler County, more than 16,000 customers are served by the company.

The company's vision, "to be your trusted water resource company, dedicated to delivering innovative solutions," guides its business and its subsidiaries.

Pennsylvania American is undertaking several key projects in the Butler area in 2005. These projects include distribution system improvement projects and other improvement projects.

The former are projects across the state, funded, with state approval, by a portion of each customer's monthly water bill, known as the distribution system improvement charge.

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 liability claims.

In 2005, $49.14 million is the DSIC investment for the company statewide. In Western Pennsylvania, including the company's Pittsburgh operations, $15 million is allocated for improvements.

In Butler, these projects are planned for 2005.

Installation of 1,300 feet of 8-inch iron main, the replacement of two fire hydrants and the transfer of 70 customer services on Virginia Avenue. This is being done in conjunction with the Redevelopment Authority of Butler's rebuilding of storm drains and street resurfacing. Anticipated cost is $77,000.

Installation of 1,400 feet of 8-inch iron main, the replacement of up to two fire hydrants, and the transfer of 32 customer services on Rockenstein Avenue. This will replace a 2-inch cast iron main prone to main breaks. Anticipated cost is $66,000.

Installation of 750 feet of 8-inch iron main, the replacement of one fire hydrant, and the transfer of 24 customer services on Negley Avenue. Anticipated investment for this project is $45,600. This project is being done in conjunction with work planned by the redevelopment authority.

Also under way are numerous projects in Connoquenessing and Franklin townships.

Pennsylvania American Water also cares for other of its customers' needs. An example of this is its H20 - Help to Others Program. In Pennsylvania last year, the H20 program provided financial assistance to 10,371 households.

The H20 program is administered by the $1 Energy Fund and Conservation Consultants Inc. The program offers grants to qualified customers, a 50-percent discount on the company's 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.

In 2004, there were 9,808 individuals enrolled for the monthly discount offered in the H20 program. Grants to assist in paying water bills were received by 563 individuals. The average grant in 2004 was $220.

A new season for customer assistance grants opened on March 1. For information, call toll-free, 888-282-6816.