Pennsylvania American Water is rolling out a hands‑on outreach program in Greene County’s Dilliner service area. The utility’s goal is to locate and replace lead or galvanized‑steel water service lines for roughly 1,200 homes and businesses, protecting families from harmful contaminants.
How the program works
Utility crews, contracted through CDM Smith, are going door‑to‑door in Perry Township and will soon move into the neighboring townships of Cumberland, Dunkard, Greene, Monongahela and Whitley. Each representative carries official Pennsylvania American Water identification and a high‑visibility vest, making it clear they are authorized to speak on the company’s behalf.
When a homeowner or business owner answers the door, a trained staff member asks a few simple questions about the property’s water service line. The utility then determines whether the portion of the line owned by the company – typically the segment from the municipal main to the curb stop – is made of lead or galvanized steel. If the line is identified as a risk material, Pennsylvania American Water will coordinate a replacement at no direct cost to the customer.
Why the effort matters
Lead exposure is a serious public‑health concern, especially for children and pregnant women. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s Lead and Copper Rule Improvements require water utilities to inventory the materials used in both company‑owned and customer‑owned portions of service lines and to make that information public. By cataloguing the material type of each line, Pennsylvania American Water is complying with federal guidance and taking proactive steps to safeguard drinking water quality for its customers.
“Customer involvement makes this work possible,” said Jim Runzer, Vice President of Operations for Pennsylvania American Water. “Our goal is to catalog the material type of customers’ service lines to safeguard the quality of water for our customers.” Runzer emphasized that the program’s success depends on residents opening their doors and sharing information about their homes.
Timeline and next steps
The canvassing effort began in Perry Township and is expected to continue through the fall, moving systematically through the remaining townships. Residents who are contacted will receive a brief questionnaire and, if a lead or galvanized line is found, will be scheduled for a free replacement. The utility will handle all logistics, including obtaining any necessary permits and coordinating with local contractors.
For homeowners who miss the initial outreach, Pennsylvania American Water plans to follow up with mailed notices and phone calls, ensuring that no eligible customer is left unaware of the program.
What residents can do now
Anyone living in the Dilliner district who has not yet been approached should keep an eye out for the high‑visibility vests and official badges. If a representative arrives, they are encouraged to answer the brief survey and ask any questions about the replacement process. Residents can also call the utility’s customer‑service line at 800‑555‑1234 for more information or to schedule a follow‑up visit.
This initiative reflects Pennsylvania American Water’s broader commitment to clean, safe drinking water and aligns with federal efforts to reduce lead exposure across the nation. By working together, the utility and its customers can ensure that Greene County’s water infrastructure meets modern health standards.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
