Hershey, Pa. - Pennsylvania American Water on Tuesday released plans for the final stage of a water pressure increase for its West Shore water system.

The company said it plans to restart increasing water pressure on Wednesday, July 8 and proceed on a Monday through Friday schedule, increasing pressure by a maximum of two pounds per square inch per day, followed by a minimum of one day with no increase, until the process is completed.

Engineers will continuously monitor the West Shore system to ensure normal operating conditions before proceeding with additional increases, the company said in a news release.

"The public health and safety of our more than 35,000 West Shore customers continue to be our primary concern," said Michael Salvo, senior director of field operations, Pennsylvania American Water. "Once the pressure increase is completed, we can reintegrate our West Shore infrastructure to ensure more reliable service, improved fire protection and a solution for the many customers who have been demanding improved water pressure for years."

The communities affected in the final phase of the pressure increase are:
- Shiremanstown Borough
- Lower Allen Township
- Upper Allen Township (Areas served by Pennsylvania American Water)
- Hampden Township (Areas south of the Conodiguinet Creek, including the Brambles and Pinebrook Estates. Areas north or west of the Brambles will not see additional pressure increases.)
- East Pennsboro Township (south of the Conodiguinet Creek)
- Camp Hill Borough (west of 21 st Street and south of Market Street, excluding the areas of Appletree Road, Ridge Road and Park Side Road)
- New Cumberland Borough (Drexel Hills area)
- Fairview Township (south of the Yellow Breeches Creek and west of Poplar Avenue)

The announcement follows a June 18 decision by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission to approve the settlement that the company reached to resolve pressure-related issues with Camp Hill Borough, Lower Allen Township, Hampden Township and the Office of Consumer Advocate.

Completing the pressure increase will mark the final step of the company's four-year, $60 million upgrade of its West Shore water system. Before stopping the pressure increase last December, Pennsylvania American Water had raised water pressure by approximately 11 psi in the affected areas. The company will gradually increase pressure by another 14 psi over the course of several weeks to achieve a system-wide increase averaging 25 psi.

Pennsylvania American Water will post daily status updates for local officials and the public on the company's Web site at www.pennsylvaniaamwater.com.

 Email To Friend