Pennsylvania American Water Launches Second Phase of Long-Term Clean Water Initiative

Construction has officially begun on a new water pipeline in Dimock Township, Pennsylvania, as part of a long-term plan to provide residents with clean, safe, and reliable drinking water. Pennsylvania American Water, the state's largest regulated water utility, announced Thursday that crews have started installing the infrastructure for what will eventually become a new public groundwater supply system for the township.

The work now underway marks the second phase of a multi-year project that was born out of a 2022 legal agreement between Coterra Energy and the Pennsylvania Office of Attorney General—then led by Josh Shapiro, who now serves as governor. As part of that settlement, Pennsylvania American Water was selected to design, permit, and construct a full drinking water system for residents in the area.

“This project is a significant step forward in fulfilling our commitment to the Dimock community,” the utility said in a statement. “We are building a system that will meet the highest standards for water safety and reliability.”

The newly installed pipeline will stretch approximately six miles, connecting impacted homes to a central water source and eliminating reliance on private wells. Each home will receive a dedicated service line, and once connections are complete, all existing plumbing linked to individual wells will be disconnected to prevent the risk of cross-contamination.

Construction will proceed along four main roadways in the township:

• Dimock to Nicholson Road (SR3023)
• Dimock to Brooklyn Road (SR2024)
• Carter Road
• Meshoppen Creek Road

The water company advised that residents should expect lane restrictions and occasional road closures along these routes while work is in progress. However, even during full closures, alternate routes will be made available to ensure continuous access.

“While we understand this work may temporarily inconvenience some residents, the long-term benefits to public health and environmental safety are immeasurable,” the company stated.

The broader water system includes a state-of-the-art, four-stage water treatment process designed to remove contaminants and ensure safe drinking water. This phase of the project follows earlier milestones, such as identifying a suitable well location and conducting test drilling to confirm groundwater quality and sustainability.

Final road restorations related to the pipeline installation are expected to be completed by early 2026, while construction of the water treatment facility itself is targeted for mid-2026. Once both components are operational, individual home connections will be finalized, giving Dimock residents long-awaited access to a public water supply.

Dimock has been at the center of national attention for more than a decade due to water contamination concerns linked to natural gas drilling. The current project seeks to resolve those issues with a permanent, science-driven solution that meets regulatory standards.

American Water, the parent company of Pennsylvania American Water, serves millions of customers across the United States. The company emphasized its ongoing commitment to supporting communities affected by environmental challenges.

For additional information and updates, residents are encouraged to visit www.amwater.com.

Originally reported by Eric Mark in WCP Examiner.