SHARON, Pa. – Aqua Pennsylvania broke ground July 24 on a $28.4 million project at its Shenango Valley Water Treatment Plant in Sharon, Pa.
Aqua officials joined elected officials and community leaders to kick off a construction project that aims to ensure safe water and a more healthful environment for 21,000 customers in northwestern Pennsylvania and parts of Trumbull County.
“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.
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, the company said.
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, according to Aqua.
“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.”
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, Lucca said.
Pictured at top: Cutting the ribbon are Marc Lucca, Aqua Pennsylvania president; state Rep. Parke Wentling, Bob Fiscus, Sharon city manager, Lori Graham from the staff of U.S. Rep. Mike Kelly, Melinda Gosser from the staff of state Sen. Michele Brooks, and Rod Wilt, CEO of Penn-Northwest Development Corp.