Crews work to update water storage tank in Exeter

This project one of 10 being done this year

WYOMISSING » Pennsylvania American Water has begun work on a rehabilitation and repainting project of one of its water storage tanks located in Exeter. The work will provide the 250,000-gallon-tank with a protective barrier and prevent rusting that could have an impact on water quality.

The Exeter tank project — with an estimated price tag of $220,000 — is one of 10 tanks across the company’s service area that are being rehabilitated this year, according to a press release. In addition, Pennsylvania American Water is building four new tanks in the state for a total capital investment of nearly $8.5 million.

“Storage tanks are a critical part of our water infrastructure that ensure adequate, reliable water supplies for our communities, in addition to providing fire protection,” Pennsylvania American Water Project Manager Bruce Brubaker said in the release. “Rehabilitation projects like this one extend the tank’s lifespan, while also providing significant cost savings compared to replacing the structures.”

The storage tank — one of 290 tanks the company owns across the state — is located off Reservoir Road in Exeter.

Crews will inspect, sandblast and remove the original paint before applying a new coat of paint that will extend the lifespan of the ground storage structure, according to the release. The tank was built in 2000.

Brubaker added that no water service disruptions are expected and normal operations will be maintained throughout the construction.

The project is expected to be completed and the tank brought back online by the end of November, company spokesman

Terry Maenza said Monday.

Pennsylvania American Water has eight tanks that provide water for nearly 9,300 customers in Exeter and Amity townships.

Pennsylvania American Water is a subsidiary of American Water, the largest

investor-owned water utility in the state, providing water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.3 million people.

The company serves approximately 670,000 water and wastewater customers in 36 counties across Pennsylvania,

including approximately 21,000 customers in Berks County, 49,000 in Montgomery County and 12,000 in Chester County.

SUBMITTED PHOTO Pennsylvania American Water has kicked off a rehabilitation project of one of its water storage tanks located in Exeter. The tank, which is shown here, is located off Reservoir Road in the township. It will be inspected, sandblasted and repainted.