SCRANTON, Pa. (June 16, 2025) — Pennsylvania American Water has officially launched construction on a new $2 million, 100,000-gallon water storage tank in Roaring Brook Township, designed to improve water service for residents in the Olwen Heights Development.
The infrastructure upgrade will replace an aging tank originally built in 1988, which suffered from inadequate maintenance prior to Pennsylvania American Water acquiring the system.
“The current tank serving Olwen Heights customers was built in 1988, before Pennsylvania American Water took over the system,” said Matt Griffith, senior project engineer. “The tank's previous owner didn't maintain it properly, which shortened its lifespan. Replacing the tank was the best way to keep serving our customers.”
The company emphasized that no water service interruptions are expected for local residents during construction. The new tank will be installed adjacent to the existing one, which will be decommissioned and removed once the new system becomes operational.
In addition to the tank replacement, the project includes several modern infrastructure upgrades, such as:
- A backup generator for emergency reliability
- Fencing and site improvements
- Integration of two pressure zones into one unified system
Construction crews, under the direction of Pennsylvania American Water’s contractor, began site prep earlier this month, with the tank expected to be completed by late 2025 and all associated upgrades finalized by spring 2026.
The Olwen Heights project is one of three new tanks the company is building in 2025 across Pennsylvania. In total, the company is investing approximately $12.8 million this year in tank construction and rehabilitation, which includes seven existing tank overhauls statewide.
Pennsylvania American Water notes that these investments support more than just safe drinking water—they contribute significantly to local economic health.
“For every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, upwards of 15 jobs are generated throughout the economy,” the company stated. In 2024 alone, Pennsylvania American Water invested $675 million statewide, supporting an estimated 10,125 jobs.
The project reflects the company’s broader commitment to infrastructure modernization, water quality, and economic development throughout the state.
Originally reported by American Water.