McCandless Authority Wins High-Tech Sewer-Inspecting Camera; American Water Raffles Off Camera During WEFTEC Conference

The MTSA is the second largest sanitary authority in Allegheny County, with 16,000 customers and 44 square miles of service area. Mounted in a waterproof enclosure at the end of a telescoping fiberglass pole, the high performance Lite Stick camera will be used to inspect the authority's 10,000 manholes.

"Using this technology beats climbing down into manholes for the necessary inspections we do. The Lite Stick camera will enable MTSA to easily check manholes for maintenance flaws and problems. It eliminates the need for safety equipment, harnesses, and breathing apparatus for sewer inspectors," said Connell.

Connell noted that his winning was serendipitous. American Water and MTSA have a long-standing relationship that dates back to 1995. Since that year, American Water's Underground Infrastructure Group has worked with the authority to rehabilitate over 30,000 feet of small diameter sanitary sewer piping in the township using trenchless technology.

"We're thrilled that our prize will go to good use by a township dedicated to providing quality service to its customers," said Bill Vernon, Business Development Representative for American Water's Underground Infrastructure Group. "The Lite Stick camera will quickly become an invaluable tool for the authority. Using the camera will save time while improving performance and safety. Thanks to this prize, more work will be performed at a reduced cost."

About the McCandless Township Sanitary Authority

The second largest sanitary authority in Allegheny County, the MTSA serves all or portions of seven communities including 16,000 customers totaling 44 square miles. The authority has four operations plants, seven pump stations, 400-plus miles of interceptor pipe, and 10,000 manholes. American Water has been working with the authority since 1995.

About American Water

With a history of over 100 years, American Water provides high quality water, wastewater, and other related services, including pipeline rehabilitation to over 18 million people in 29 states and 3 Canadian provinces. American Water employs approximately 7,000 and reported over $2 billion in revenue.