Major Water Infrastructure Upgrade Enters Final Phase in Chester and L...

COATESVILLE, Pa. (April 30, 2025) - A more than decade-long Pennsylvania American Water project to replace 21 miles of water main stretching from Caln Township, Chester County, to Quarryville, Lancaster County, recently entered a new phase, bringing it one step closer to completion. The company announced that planned slip lining, a technique where a new, smaller diameter pipe is inserted into an existing pipe in need of repair or replacement, is on track for completion this summer.

"While the challenges of a project of this scope are significant, the work we are doing will ensure reliable water service for a large area of western Chester County and parts of Lancaster County," said Kelly Kowalski, project manager for Pennsylvania American Water.

The heart of the project is replacing and rehabilitating a 24-inch cast iron main that runs from Pennsylvania American Water's Coatesville water treatment plant extending west to Quarryville and east to Caln Township.

The main originally operated between Thorndale and Quarryville, installed by the Pennsylvania Railroad from 1900 to 1910 to provide water for trains. In 1955, the Railroad transferred ownership of the main to WATCOPA Water, which later evolved into the Octorara Water Company. The City of Coatesville Water Authority acquired the line in the 1990s, and finally, Pennsylvania American Water took ownership in 2001 as part of its acquisition of the City of Coatesville Water Authority.

"The proximity of the project to the active SEPTA/Amtrack rail lines makes it more complex than others," added Kowalski. "In some locations, we are installing a brand new 16-inch water main in a more accessible location, and in other cases we are slip lining the existing water main."

The entire 21-mile project consists of multiple phases, each taking approximately one year. Work began in 2014 at the western end of the line. The 2025 phase is focused on work in the City of Coatesville and Caln Township. The project is scheduled to be completed in 2026. Wayne-based Anrich, Inc., Fidelity Contracting LLC and Spinello Companies have served as main general contractors for the project.

This infrastructure upgrade project is an important investment in public health and safety and also helps support the economic health of the communities it serves. Economic impact studies show that for every $1 million invested in water infrastructure, upwards of 15 jobs are generated throughout the economy.

Statewide, Pennsylvania American Water invested more than $675 million in 2024 alone to improve its water and wastewater treatment and pipeline systems, supporting more than 10,125 jobs through these continued investments.

"Pennsylvania American Water and our contractors recognize this work can be an inconvenience to those who live in close proximity. We appreciate their patience and understanding, and assure them that we make every effort possible to lessen the disruption," said Kowalski. "The work being done will improve reliability for customers, reduce service disruptions and increase water flows for firefighting for decades to come."