Pennsylvania American Water Launches Interactive Web-Based Map to Identify and Replace Lead Service Lines

Rhea-AI Summary

Pennsylvania American Water has launched an interactive web-based map to help customers identify and report the material of their water service lines. The map is in response to EPA requirements to publicize lead service line locations by 2024 and aims to raise awareness about lead service lines. The company is committed to replacing lead service lines at no cost to customers and has already replaced 855 lines last year, with plans to double the number by 2024.

Positive

• Pennsylvania American Water is proactively communicating with customers by providing an interactive map to identify lead service lines.

• The company is committed to replacing lead and galvanized service lines, with a goal to replace all lead service lines over time.

• Pennsylvania American Water's water quality remains compliant with regulatory standards.

Negative

• The need to replace a large number of lead service lines may suggest potential infrastructure challenges.

• There could be customer resistance or delays in identifying and replacing lead service lines.

Water quality remains compliant with all regulatory standards, and company continues to replace lead service lines at no direct cost to customers; New map to raise further awareness and encourage customers to report service line material to identify lead lines for replacement.

MECHANICSBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- Pennsylvania American Water announced today that it has developed a robust, interactive web-based map encouraging customers to view and/or report what material their water service line is made of. The map can be found at pennsylvaniaamwater.com/LeadFacts and includes an address search bar and a symbol and color key.

The webpage and map were created in response to the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)’s requirements for water utilities to identify and make public the locations of lead service lines by October of 2024 and follows EPA best practices. The map also serves as a tool for customers to self-report what their water service lines are made of to help Pennsylvania American Water complete the service line material inventory project it launched last year.

“Our goal in creating this webpage and map is to proactively and transparently communicate to customers not only the information about their service line material, but also what we do to help provide water that meets all regulations, ways they can help reduce their potential exposure to lead, and how they can participate in our lead service line replacement program at no direct cost to them,” said Brandy Braun, Pennsylvania American Water’s director of water quality and environmental compliance. “We are committed to continue our robust program to identify and replace all lead and galvanized service lines, and we need our customers’ continued cooperation to help us identify and remove lead service lines for the health, safety and peace of mind of our customers.”

On the webpage, customers can click on the map and enter their address in the “Search by Address” field. The map will zoom in on the address, where the user can click the circular symbol and see the material of the service line on both the utility and customer side, as it is known to the company. If the customer-owned side is shown as unknown, customers are encouraged to help identify it and report that information to the company using the self-reporting survey link provided in the pop-up window. The company also developed a short video showing how to use the map.

In addition to the map, customers will also find the following on the webpage:

• The company’s approach to replacing lead service lines, including a short video
• Frequently asked questions related to lead and the company’s lead service line replacement program
• A quick guide to help customers determine the material of their service line material
• Additional resources about lead in drinking water Information about how to assess and reduce potential lead exposure

Last year, Pennsylvania American Water replaced 855 lead service lines and expects to replace double this number in 2024. The goal of the program is to replace all lead service lines over time.

About American Water

About American Water American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,500 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Pennsylvania American Water

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20240429303176/en/

Media Contact:

Laura Martin

Sr. Director, Government & External Affairs

C: 304-932-7158

E: laura.martin@amwater.com

Source: Pennsylvania American Water

FAQ

What is the purpose of the interactive web-based map launched by Pennsylvania American Water?

Pennsylvania American Water launched the map to help customers identify and report the material of their water service lines.

How many lead service lines did Pennsylvania American Water replace last year?

Pennsylvania American Water replaced 855 lead service lines last year.

What is the company's goal regarding lead service line replacements?

The company aims to replace all lead service lines over time.