Tarentum gets boost in $4M fix of failing water system

Tarentum officials are one step closer to ensuring a long-term solution to the borough’s aging water system and avoiding a tax increase to pay for it.

Manager Dwight Boddorf said the failing distribution system, with 100-year-old lines and routine collapses, can’t guarantee access to clean water in future years.

He called it unsustainable and said it will cost up to $4 million to secure modern technology and replace 14 miles of lines.

The borough last week was awarded $300,000 through the state’s Local Share Account program, made available from the Commonwealth Finance Authority.

It brings the total funding received by the borough to about $1.6 million.

“This will significantly enhance the borough’s ability to modernize its water infrastructure, ensuring long-term reliability and improved service for our residents and regional partners,” Boddorf said.

Money will be used to install two high-service pumps, two back wash pumps, a water meter, feeders and a security fence, as well as three raw water pumps and a 16-inch raw water meter.

Funding also will help construct a much-needed storage tank.

Work is designed to address critical water pressure issues across the board, Boddorf said. Improvements are expected to provide a more stable and consistent clean water supply.

Council has been applying, unsuccessfully, for similar grants in recent years to avoid a tax increase. It applied to the Allegheny County Redevelopment Authority and the Gaming, Economic Development and Tourism Fund.

Just when it was looking like the borough would need to pivot to Plan B, the borough got word about the recent grants.

“With this new funding, the borough is one step closer to realizing its vision of a resilient, efficient water system that can meet the needs of both the municipality and others who rely on our water supply,” Boddorf said.

Council is expected to approve permits in the coming months for the upgrades.

Work could start by the end of 2025.