Aqua Pennsylvania Breaks Ground on $28.4M Shenango Project

SHARON, Pa. – Aqua Pennsylvania broke ground on a $28.4 million project at its Shenango Valley Water Treatment Plant. 

Aqua officials joined elected officials and community leaders Wednesday to kick off a construction project that aims to ensure safe water and a healthier environment for 21,000 customers in northwestern Pennsylvania and parts of Trumbull County in Ohio. 

“Sharon is proud to be home of Aqua’s Shenango Valley Water Treatment Plant and protector of this infrastructure, with benefits that span across the entire region,” said Bob Fiscus, Sharon city manager. “Aqua has invested in essential improvements in our water distribution system, and they continue to invest in these water plant upgrades to protect water quality. Aqua is a true partner with the city of Sharon and the Shenango Valley, and we look forward to continuing that partnership and joint support.” 

As part of the project, Aqua will add a 700,000-gallon raw water basin to treat water before it goes through the filtration process, allowing for greater removal of impurities that naturally occur in water from rivers and lakes, according to a news release. 

Improvements also include a powder-activated carbon silo and feed system to remove contaminants from the water, including algae that may cause taste and odor issues. 

The upgrades will allow for more thorough treatment of raw water before filtration, remove organic compounds and lead to overall safer drinking water for the community, the release states. 

“We are driven each day to deliver Earth’s most essential resource safely to customers,” said Aqua Pennsylvania President Marc Lucca. “Our investments in our communities ensure we deliver on that goal. In the Shenango Valley, that purpose is no different – I’m proud of the dedication and expertise of our employees and our partners who work to  improve service to our customers.”  

The project, which is expected to be completed at the end of 2025, is one of several across the region to enhance water service and quality.

Published by The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.