Pennsylvania American Water has expedited the replacement of a critical water main on North Washington Avenue in Scranton, following two significant breaks in July. The company is advancing this project as part of its broader initiative to enhance the water infrastructure in the area.
The water main replacement, originally set for 2028, will now begin in Spring 2027 and is estimated to cost $5 million. The project will replace a 156-year-old 24-inch cast iron water main and adjacent 6-inch mains with a modern 16-inch water main. This work will occur along North Washington Avenue, from Lackawanna Avenue to Gibson Street, and along Mulberry Street between North Washington Avenue and Madison Avenue.
These repairs coincide with Pennsylvania American Water’s request to the Pennsylvania Public Utilities Commission for an increase in water rates, aiming to fund a $1.2 billion upgrade of its distribution system by mid-2027. The commission approved a rate increase, although it was lower than the company had proposed.
Infrastructure Challenges in Scranton
The first of the two water main breaks occurred on July 17 at the intersection of North Washington Avenue and Mulberry Street, affecting water supply to downtown businesses, residents, and key government buildings. A second break on July 27 further highlighted the urgent need for infrastructure upgrades. Pennsylvania American Water crews acted promptly to address both incidents.
In response to these disruptions, Scranton Mayor Paige Cognetti organized a press conference urging the water company to prioritize the main’s replacement. “Accelerating this $5 million investment is an important step forward for our downtown and for the businesses, workers, and residents hit hard by these breaks,” stated Cognetti. “We must have reliable infrastructure and the peace of mind that we’re doing everything we can to prevent this from happening again.”
The city has also provided an online resource to help businesses and residents calculate and recover costs incurred due to the water main breaks.
Coordinated Efforts for Downtown Revitalization
Operating around 300 miles of water mains in Scranton, Pennsylvania American Water has identified that 16% were installed before 1900. The company continues to replace 5 to 10 miles of aging pipes annually. The upcoming replacement project is currently in the engineering and design phase, and some preliminary activities may soon be noticeable downtown.
To minimize disruptions, the project will be executed in phases, aligning with the city’s downtown streetscape improvements. The streetscape projects, funded by the American Rescue Plan Act, are expected to be largely completed by September’s end, with additional work continuing into Spring 2027.
Additionally, Pennsylvania American Water intends to support local revitalization efforts by proposing a $50,000 grant from the American Water Charitable Foundation to Scranton Tomorrow. This grant will bolster the nonprofit’s Safe, Clean & Green Program, aimed at enhancing neighborhood revitalization and community engagement throughout Scranton.
