Pumped up: $21 million project will bring water to Avella district
Currently, the nearly 500 students in Avella Area School District rely on a groundwater well for their water needs, including drinking and cafeteria use.
That means the water must be sanitized and tested monthly, with samples sent to the state Department of Environmental Protection.
Additionally, students in the rural Washington County school district don’t have access to public water if a fire breaks out.
But that is about to change.
Pennsylvania American Water is breaking ground on a $21 million water main extension project that will bring drinking water and fire service to the school district and as many as 79 Cross Creek Township customers.
The water company plans to install more than 10 miles of water main, which includes providing service to the Avella Area School District through Cross Creek, Independence and Mt. Pleasant townships and to communities along Old Steubenville Pike and Campbell and Donaldson roads in Robinson Township, Washington County.
Pennsylvania American said in a statement the project “will provide high-quality water service that meets or surpasses drinking water standards, reliable water service, and fire protection” to the community.
A groundbreaking ceremony will be held at 11 a.m. Oct. 12 at Avella Area School District campus, 1000 Avella Road, Avella.
“We’re excited about getting (public) water for a lot of reasons,” said Avella Area School District Superintendent Cyril Walsh. “You hope you never have a fire because right now we just have a holding tank for water, so if we had a fire, the fire department would end up using pumper trucks, so there are safety considerations at this time.”
He also acknowledged the water “doesn’t taste the best to kids and visitors.”
“So we will definitely benefit from a consistently treated water source,” Walther said.
The school district uses about 1 million gallons of water annually.
Avella Area School Board President Corey McConn said the district will assume a monthly water bill, but will no longer have costs associated with the well system and will have access to water in the event of a fire.
“I’m giddy about having public water. I’ve been on the school board for 22 years, and we’ve had several conversations. We have peace of mind and reliability if we have a fire,” said McConn. “In an emergency, you want to have a hydrant. It also will help the community, so it’s a good thing.”
The project is expected to be completed in the summer of 2025.