Pennsylvania American Water has begun construction to replace a mile of water main in Coatesville to improve reliability for customers, reduce service disruptions, and increase water flows for firefighting. 

This $4.3 million project will replace 5,464 feet of aging 24-inch pipe that was installed in the early 1900s with new 16-inch ductile iron pipe. This section of the main is complex to maintain due to its proximity to the active SEPTA/Amtrack rail lines, so this project will install a brand new 16” water main in a more accessible location.

Crews will work weekdays between 7 AM and 5 PM. Traffic restrictions will be in place during construction along the route as the project advances. The project starts this week on 1^st Avenue via a right of way to Coates Street. From Coates Street, it will continue from 3^rd Avenue to Black Horse Hill Road. The project will eventually continue to Foundry Street, then to North 11^th Street, and end at the railroad overpass. The company expects to complete the water main installation by the end of August 2024, with final street restoration taking place in late fall 2024.

The 24-inch cast iron main originally ran from Quarryville to Thorndale and was installed by the Pennsylvania Railroad between 1900 and 1910. It was used to supply water for the trains. In 1955, the Railroad sold the main to WATCOPA Water, which later became Octorara Water Company. The City of Coatesville Authority then purchased the line in the 1990’s and finally Pennsylvania American Water received ownership in 2001 when purchasing the City of Coatesville Authority.

During construction, customers might experience temporary service interruptions, discolored water, and/or lower than normal water pressure. Crews will work as quickly as possible to shorten the length of these temporary inconveniences. For more information, contact Pennsylvania American Water’s customer service center at 1-800-565-7292.

This infrastructure upgrade project is not only an important investment in public health and safety; it also helps support the economic health of the communities we serve. Economic impact studies show that for every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, upwards of 15 jobs are generated throughout the economy. Statewide, Pennsylvania American Water invested approximately $490 million in 2022 alone to improve our water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems, supporting more than 7,000 jobs through these continued investments.

Learn more at Pennsylvania American Water.