Major upgrades at plant improve water quality, service, and reliability for customers in Northwestern Pennsylvania and parts of Trumball County, Ohio
Aqua Pennsylvania announced completion of a major upgrade at its Shenango Valley Water Treatment Plant in Mercer County. Aqua leadership joined elected officials and local leaders to highlight the upgrades that will ensure safe and reliable drinking water service for thousands of customers in northwestern Pennsylvania and parts of Ohio.
The nearly $35 million project will benefit customers by improving drinking water treatment. The upgrades, including a new 700,000-gallon raw water basin, are designed to improve the plant’s ability to treat naturally changing water conditions.
While the source of drinking water comes from rain running into rivers, lakes, streams and replenishing our groundwater, it is unsuitable to drink without treatment. This project enhances existing treatment processes and provides needed upgrades to existing infrastructure at the Shenango Valley Water Treatment Plant.
“Aqua’s continuous investment in infrastructure contributes to our overarching commitment to provide the highest quality drinking water to the communities we serve,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. “We want our customers in the Shenango Valley to have peace of mind knowing that when they turn on the faucet, they have safe drinking water and reliable service.”
In addition to treatment enhancements, the project modernizes key infrastructure at the facility. Updated electrical systems and controls will improve overall reliability.
“I was proud to participate in today’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for Aqua Pennsylvania’s Shenango Water Plant,” said State Representative Parke Wentling. “This $35 million upgrade brings cutting-edge technology to our water treatment process, delivering cleaner and better-tasting water to more than 50,000 residents in the Shenango Valley and eastern Ohio. I thank Aqua Pennsylvania for their investment in our community’s future and for ensuring reliable, high-quality water service for years to come.”
“Congratulations to Aqua and the team that took on this huge endeavor and significant investment in our area,” said Sharon City Council Vice President Carl Sizer. “We don’t view Aqua as simply a utility provider, they are a strategic partner, and we recognize we could not provide municipal services without their work.”
The upgrades at Shenango Valley Water Treatment Plant will ensure exemplary treatment of drinking water for decades to come and are the latest example of Aqua’s ongoing commitment to its customers.
“Projects like the one we’re celebrating here today improve the quality of life for all of our residents,” said Jake Rickert, Penn Northwest Development Corporation Associate Executive Director. “This reliable water service supports families, neighborhoods, schools, healthcare services and the overall attractiveness of our community. But to build an attractive, strong community, it requires partnership. Aqua Pennsylvania continues to demonstrate that they are not simply operating infrastructure, but they are investing in the long-term future of our community.”