While most of New Jersey American Water’s infrastructure – more than 8,600 miles of pipes – lies underground, water tanks stand out as the most visible of the company’s assets. In 2010, New Jersey American Water invested approximately $5.3 million in revitalizing 16 water storage tanks throughout the state.

When rehabilitating its water tanks, New Jersey American Water reinforces the steel within them, removes old paint, and applies fresh coats of paint. The company hires consultants to inspect the project and monitor all procedures during blasting and painting.

“New Jersey American Water has an active program of maintaining our more than 250 tanks statewide to ensure that we are providing our customers with a high level of service,” said Suzanne Chiavari, vice president of engineering at New Jersey American Water. “Rehabilitating tanks results in significant cost savings to customers in contrast to replacing the structure.”

New Jersey American Water, a wholly owned subsidiary of American Water (NYSE:AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and/or wastewater services to approximately 2.5 million people. Founded in 1886, American Water is the largest investor-owned U.S. water and wastewater utility company. With headquarters in Voorhees, N.J., the company employs more than 7,000 dedicated professionals who provide drinking water, wastewater and other related services to approximately 16 million people in 35 states, as well as Ontario and Manitoba, Canada. More information can be found by visiting www.amwater.com.