Scranton Water System Upgrade Begins to Replace 130-Year-Old Pipes

SCRANTON, Pa. — Pennsylvania American Water has launched a $9 million project to replace over 30,000 feet of 130-year-old water mains throughout Scranton, the company announced on Monday. This initiative, which commenced earlier this month, aims to enhance service reliability, mitigate disruptions, and improve water flow for firefighting.

The aging pipes, some of which date back to 1889, will be replaced with modern 8- and 12-inch ductile iron mains along several key streets in the city, including Brook Street, Cherry Street, and Wyoming Avenue. Dunmore will also see upgrades with more than 2,800 feet of waterlines being replaced at an estimated cost of over $800,000.

“Providing reliable service to our customers means continuous investment in our infrastructure,” said Daniel Rickard, director of engineering for Pennsylvania American Water. “We prioritize projects based on a number of factors, including the need for larger mains to handle system demands, the age of existing pipe, and the history of main breaks or service interruptions.”

The extensive project will take place on weekdays from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., where traffic restrictions will be implemented during construction. Completion of all water main installations, including the connections to customer service lines, is expected by this summer, with final restoration and paving scheduled for the fall. Customers may experience temporary service interruptions, discolored water, or reduced water pressure during work hours.

In addition to the immediate benefits for residents, the investment in water infrastructure is expected to support the local economy. Economic impact studies indicate that for every $1 million spent on water infrastructure, approximately 15 jobs are created within the community.

Pennsylvania American Water invested around $675 million statewide in 2024 to improve water and wastewater treatment systems, generating over 10,125 jobs through these crucial investments. The company encourages the public to stay clear of work zones for safety and can be reached via their customer service center at 1-800-565-7292 for any inquiries regarding the project.