SHARON, Pa. – Aqua Pennsylvania celebrated the completion of a major upgrade at its Shenango Valley Water Treatment Plant on Wednesday. 

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, a news release states.

The nearly $35 million project will benefit customers by improving drinking water treatment, the release states. 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 groundwater, it is unsuitable to drink without treatment, the release states. The project enhances existing treatment processes and provides needed upgrades to existing infrastructure at the 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 Marc Lucca, president of Aqua Pennsylvania. “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, the release states.

“Projects like the one we’re celebrating here today improve the quality of life for all of our residents,” said Jake Rickert, associate executive director of Penn Northwest Development Corp. “This reliable water service supports families, neighborhoods, schools, health care 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.”

Carl Sizer, vice president of Sharon City Council, congratulated Aqua Pennsylvania on the completion of the project.

“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,” Sizer said.

Pictured at top: In this image captured from video, water basins are seen at the Shenango Valley Water Treatment Plant.