Aqua replaces 37 inoperable fire hydrants so far in Shenandoah area
KAYLEE LINDENMUTH / SHENANDOAH SENTINEL - The worksite at Chester and West Streets in Shenandoah where a contractor was replacing a fire hydrant on Dec. 20, 2023.
SHENANDOAH – Just under six months after they took control of Shenandoah’s water system, Aqua Pennsylvania has replaced 37 inoperable hydrants, the Bryn Mawr-based company said in an update Tuesday.
The private water company’s $12 Million purchase of the Municipal Authority of the Borough of Shenandoah closed in late July.
“Within the first 3 weeks of ownership we identified nearly 25% of the fire hydrants protecting this community to be inoperable. It became an immediate priority,” said Aqua President Marc Lucca in a media release. “Our work on fire hydrants marks a real improvement that people can see, and rest assured knowing they will operate when required. We’re proud to serve this community and our partnership with emergency responders who put their lives on the line when responding to fire emergencies.”
As of Tuesday, 37 hydrants had been replaced. Aqua initially said 45 hydrants were inoperable in August, and more were bagged later.
Some were replaced that month, including some that had been missing for years.
The latest wave of replacements began in December.
“I’m pleased with the progress being made, especially with addressing the issue of the inoperable hydrants, with the safety of the residents being of paramount importance in the town,” said Borough Manager Tony Sajone.“Since the onset, the Borough has had a very good working relationship with Aqua, which is instrumental in facing the many challenges that the future will bring in updating the current infrastructure system.”
Thirteen fire hydrants, Aqua said, were “deemed as either unnecessary or poorly located” and are not being replaced.
The MABS system covers Shenandoah borough, the northern half of West Mahanoy Township including Shenandoah Heights, Raven Run, William Penn, and Lost Creek, as well as the villages of Connerton and Rappahannock in Butler Township and several houses on Mahanoy Avenue in Girardville.
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