Report on Pennsylvania American Water’s Recognition for Water Quality Excellence

Introduction

Pennsylvania American Water recently received national recognition for its commitment to water quality excellence. Twenty-one of its drinking water treatment plants were honored by the Partnership for Safe Water at the Directors and Presidents levels. These awards, announced by the American Water Works Association (AWWA), highlight continuous optimization in water treatment and distribution system performance, aligning closely with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation.

Awards and Recognitions

The company’s dedication to delivering safe, clean, and reliable tap water supports SDG 6 by ensuring access to safe water for communities. Pennsylvania American Water’s President, Justin Ladner, emphasized the company’s high standards and ongoing commitment to surpassing state and federal drinking water standards.

Details of Award-Winning Water Treatment Plants

1. Aldrich Water Treatment Plant, Washington County (25-year Directors Award)
2. Bangor Water Treatment Plant, Northampton County (25-year Directors Award)
3. Brownell Water Treatment Plant, Lackawanna County (25-year Directors Award)
4. Butler Water Treatment Plant, Butler County (25-year Directors Award)
5. Ceasetown Water Treatment Plant, Luzerne County (25-year Directors Award)
6. Clarion Water Treatment Plant, Clarion County (10-year Presidents Award)
7. Crystal Lake Water Treatment Plant, Luzerne County (25-year Directors Award)
8. Ellwood City Water Treatment Plant, Lawrence County (25-year Directors Award)
9. Fallbrook Water Treatment Plant, Lackawanna County (25-year Directors Award)
10. Forest City Water Treatment Plant, Lackawanna County (25-year Directors Award)
11. Hays Mine Water Treatment Plant, Allegheny County (25-year Directors Award)
12. Hershey Water Treatment Plant, Dauphin County (25-year Directors Award)
13. Indiana Water Treatment Plant, Indiana County (25-year Directors Award)
14. Kittanning Water Treatment Plant, Armstrong County (25-year Directors Award)
15. Milton Water Treatment Plant, Union County (25-year Directors Award)
16. Montrose Water Treatment Plant, Susquehanna County (25-year Directors Award)
17. Nesbitt Water Treatment Plant, Luzerne County (25-year Directors Award)
18. New Castle Water Treatment Plant, Lawrence County (25-year Directors Award)
19. Norristown Water Treatment Plant, Montgomery County (10-year Presidents Award)
20. Philipsburg Water Treatment Plant, Clearfield County (25-year Directors Award)
21. Silver Spring Water Treatment Plant, Cumberland County (25-year Directors Award)

Commitment to Sustainable Development Goals

The recognition of these water treatment plants reflects Pennsylvania American Water’s alignment with several SDGs, including:

• SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation – Ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all through optimized water treatment processes.
• SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being – Protecting public health by providing safe drinking water that meets or exceeds regulatory standards.
• SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure – Enhancing water infrastructure and operational excellence through continuous optimization and innovation.
• SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities – Supporting resilient and sustainable communities by delivering reliable water services.

Operational Excellence and Workforce Dedication

Brandy Braun, Director of Water Quality and Environmental Compliance, highlighted the dedication of water quality professionals, treatment plant operators, and engineers. Their commitment over the past 25 years has been instrumental in protecting customer health and safety, demonstrating the company’s role in sustainable water management.

Additional Initiatives

• Partnership for Safe Water: Pennsylvania American Water is part of this voluntary national program that enhances protection against microbial contamination through treatment optimization. Over 400 surface water treatment plants nationwide participate in this initiative.
• Partnership for Clean Water: The company also engages in this global optimization and recognition program for wastewater utilities, supporting SDG 6 by improving wastewater treatment. Currently, 10 systems participate, with five new entrants this year.

About Pennsylvania American Water and American Water

American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, serving over 14 million people across 14 states and 18 military installations. The company’s mission, “We Keep Life Flowing®,” underscores its commitment to providing safe, clean, reliable, and affordable water services, directly contributing to multiple SDGs.

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in Pennsylvania, serving approximately 2.4 million people with safe and reliable water and wastewater services.

Further Information

For more details about Pennsylvania American Water’s award-winning water systems, visit the full list of award-winning systems.

Additional information about American Water can be found at amwater.com. Connect with American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X, and Instagram.

1. Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Addressed or Connected

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • The article focuses on the recognition of Pennsylvania American Water’s drinking water treatment plants for achieving water quality excellence, directly relating to ensuring availability and sustainable management of water and sanitation for all.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • By providing safe, clean, and reliable tap water that meets or surpasses state and federal drinking water standards, the article highlights efforts that contribute to reducing health risks associated with unsafe water.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • The optimization and continuous improvement of water treatment plant operations reflect innovation and resilient infrastructure development.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • The article mentions partnerships such as the Partnership for Safe Water and the Partnership for Clean Water, emphasizing collaboration to achieve water quality goals.

2. Specific Targets Under Those SDGs Identified

1. SDG 6: Clean Water and Sanitation
   • Target 6.1: Achieve universal and equitable access to safe and affordable drinking water for all.
   • Target 6.3: Improve water quality by reducing pollution, eliminating dumping, and minimizing release of hazardous chemicals and materials.
2. SDG 3: Good Health and Well-being
   • Target 3.9: Reduce the number of deaths and illnesses from hazardous chemicals and air, water, and soil pollution and contamination.
3. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure
   • Target 9.4: Upgrade infrastructure and retrofit industries to make them sustainable, with increased resource-use efficiency and greater adoption of clean and environmentally sound technologies.
4. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals
   • Target 17.17: Encourage and promote effective public, public-private and civil society partnerships.

3. Indicators Mentioned or Implied to Measure Progress

1. Water Quality Excellence Recognition
   • The awards from the Partnership for Safe Water (Directors and Presidents levels) serve as indicators of water treatment plants meeting or surpassing water quality standards.
   • Recognition duration (e.g., 10-year Presidents Award, 25-year Directors Award) implies sustained performance over time.
2. Compliance with State and Federal Drinking Water Standards
   • Meeting or surpassing regulatory standards is an implied indicator of safe and clean water provision.
3. Participation in Partnership Programs
   • Number of water treatment plants participating in the Partnership for Safe Water and Partnership for Clean Water programs indicates engagement in continuous improvement and optimization efforts.
4. Number of People Served
   • Providing services to approximately 2.4 million people in Pennsylvania is an indicator of coverage and access.

4. Table of SDGs, Targets and Indicators

Source: businesswire.com