Press Releases
SCRANTON, Pa. (April 24, 2026) – Pennsylvania American Water announced a more than $2.3 million system investment in the City of Wilkes-Barre to replace nearly 1.5 miles of water main dating back to the 1900s. These upgrades will help to enhance reliability for customers, reduce service disruptions and improve water flow for firefighting.
“We invest in our local infrastructure to continue providing crucial water service to our customers,” said Mark Misura, senior manager of operations, Pennsylvania American Water. “Projects are prioritized based on several factors, including the need for larger main to handle system demands, the age of existing pipes and the history of main breaks or service interruptions in the area.”
Earlier this year, the company began pipe replacement along several streets in Wilkes-Barre in the following areas:
- Horton Street (from Carey Avenue to Bertels Lane)
- Dock Lane (from Custer Street to North Empire Street)
- West Maple Street (from Franklin Street to River Street)
- McLean Street (from Spruce Street to Arch Street)
- Brown Street (from Blackman Street to McLean Street)
- Stanton Street (from Hazle Street to Murray Street)
- Lynch Lane (from Moyallen Street to South Grant Street)
- Wall Street (from Hazle Street to Hughes Street)
- Hughes Street (from Blackman Street to Parrish Street)
Crews will work on weekdays between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. Traffic restrictions will be in place during construction. The company expects to complete the water main installation, including connecting all customer service lines to the new mains, along with final restoration and paving, by summer. Customers will be notified prior to the start of construction. To sign up to receive alerts, customers should log on to Pennsylvania American Water’s online self-service portal at amwater.com/mywater.
During construction, customers might experience temporary service interruptions, discolored water and/or lower than normal water pressure. Crews will work as quickly as possible to shorten the length of these temporary inconveniences. For more information, contact Pennsylvania American Water’s Customer Service Organization at 1-800-565-7292.
This infrastructure upgrade project is not only an important investment in public health and safety, it also helps support the economic vitality of the community. Economic impact studies show that for every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, upwards of 10 jobs are generated throughout the economy. Statewide, Pennsylvania American Water invested approximately $722 million in 2025 alone to improve its water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems, supporting more than 7,220 jobs through these continued investments.
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 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 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 (NYSE: AWK), is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 1,200 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people.
Media Contact:
Alana Roberts
External Affairs Manager
Pennsylvania American Water