Pennsylvania American Water continues to set a high bar for drinking water standards in the commonwealth, with 16 of its treatment plants earning prestigious national recognition this year from the Partnership for Safe Water program.
The awards, announced by the American Water Works Association, highlight facilities that go above and beyond basic regulatory requirements. They reflect years of careful optimization in treatment processes and distribution systems to protect public health from potential contaminants.
“This recognition shows what dedicated teams can achieve when safety comes first,” said Justin Ladner, president of Pennsylvania American Water. “Our customers deserve water they can trust every time they turn on the faucet, and these awards are proof of the hard work happening behind the scenes in communities throughout Pennsylvania.”
Specific honors went to several plants for their long-term performance. The Coatesville facility received a 10-year Directors Award, while Stoney Garden earned a 15-year distinction. Eight others — including Brownsville, Kane, Lake Scranton, Norristown, Punxsutawney, Susquehanna, Watres and White Deer Creek — marked 25 years of excellence with Directors Awards. Additionally, six plants received 10-year Presidents Awards: Bangor, Brownell, Crystal Lake, Hershey, Indiana and Nesbitt.
These accomplishments add to Pennsylvania American Water’s record as the most awarded water utility in the country under the program. Only a small fraction of surface water treatment plants nationwide participate in this voluntary initiative, which focuses on preventing microbial contamination through superior operational practices.
Brandy Braun, the company’s director of water quality and environmental compliance, credited the frontline operators, engineers and water quality experts. “Our teams work every day to maintain and improve these systems,” she noted. “These awards represent decades of commitment to keeping our customers and their families safe.”
Pennsylvania American Water serves about 2.5 million people across the state as the largest regulated water utility there. It operates as a subsidiary of American Water, the largest regulated water and wastewater company in the United States.
For residents who rely on these systems daily, the message is clear: local tap water meets and often exceeds strict state and federal standards. This kind of consistent performance is a model to celebrate in an era when so many communities are challenged by aging infrastructure.
A list of recognized systems is available on the company’s website. As summer approaches and water use increases, these honors provide a timely reminder of the infrastructure and expertise that keep Pennsylvania’s water flowing clean and dependable.
