Press Releases
Summit Township partnership supports new booster station and improved fire protection
BUTLER, Pa. (Sept. 2, 2026) – Pennsylvania American Water is constructing a new above-ground booster pump station on the eastern edge of Butler Township, Butler County, to improve water service for customers along Portman Road in nearby Summit Township. The project, combined with the recent installation of four fire hydrants and nearly one mile of larger-diameter water main, will improve water pressure, strengthen fire protection capabilities and enhance service reliability for the area.
The new booster pump station replaces an aging underground station and features primary and backup pumps, a dedicated fire flow pump and a backup power generator to enhance system reliability and resiliency. The $1.1 million project is expected to be in service in fall 2026.
This booster station project builds upon recent upgrades that replaced 4,360 feet of two-inch water main with eight-inch main and added four fire hydrants along Portman Road. The combined improvements will provide more reliable service, greater resiliency during outages and improved fire protection for the community.
“This project replaces aging infrastructure with a more reliable system that better serves customers along Portman Road,” said Jake Gentile, senior director of operations for Pennsylvania American Water.
Pennsylvania American Water has worked with Summit Township, which contributed approximately $85,000 toward the station upgrades to improve fire flow for their residents.
“This project is an important investment in public safety and reliable service that will not only benefit the 20 residents and businesses along Portman Road but also expands our ability to offer fire protection for approximately 40 more residents in the surrounding area,” said David Barry, chairman of the Summit Township Board of Supervisors. “We appreciate Pennsylvania American Water’s partnership in improving fire protection for our community.”
This infrastructure upgrade project is not only an important investment in public health and safety, it also helps support the economic health 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 19 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, 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:
Lauren Camarda
External Affairs Manager
Pennsylvania American Water
412-814-6505
lauren.camarda@amwater.com