Under the recently announced PUC-approved rates, the typical residential Pennsylvania American Water customer will see an increase of approximately $3 per month.
Customers served by sanitary wastewater systems will see an increase of approximately $14 per month, while customers served by combined stormwater and wastewater systems will see an increase of approximately $17 per month.
Pennsylvania American Water says more than $1 billion in planned system upgrades will strengthen water and wastewater infrastructure, while expanded affordability programs offer additional support for eligible customers
Pennsylvania American Water is encouraging customers to learn more about new water and wastewater rates taking effect this week and the company’s expanded customer assistance program available to help eligible households manage their bills.
“The changes customers will see on their bills help continue to improve the safe, clean, reliable water and wastewater service they and their communities depend on every day,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner. “We are focused on expanding customer assistance and helping customers access the support available to them if eligible, freeing up money for everyday household needs.”
The new rates approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) will support the water company’s ongoing plans to invest $1.2 billion through mid-2027 to modernize and strengthen its water and wastewater systems in communities across Pennsylvania.
This infrastructure improvement plan includes replacing 117 miles of aging water main, continuing to eliminate lead service lines, and addressing contaminants of emerging concern, such as PFAS, in drinking water.
The company said the new rates will also support critical wastewater system upgrades, including the replacement of 32 miles of aging sewer main.
Expanded customer assistance available
Pennsylvania American Water said it has provided payment assistance to eligible customers through its H2O Help to Others Program for more than 35 years. Last year alone, customers received more than $16 million in discounts and $1.8 million in grants through the program.
As part of the PUC-approved rate change, Pennsylvania American Water will enhance its programs to provide additional support for qualified customers with past-due balances.
The enhanced program will:
• Increase monthly financial assistance from $25 to $40, helping eligible customers reduce past-due balances while staying on track with payments.
• Allow enrolled eligible customers to earn monthly arrearage forgiveness credits for each complete payment made while enrolled in the program, regardless of timeliness.
• Provide eligible customers with an opportunity to receive complete arrearage forgiveness over a 24-month period.
• Apply retroactive credits to participating households once their in-program balance has been paid in full.
“While these investments are necessary to continue delivering high-quality water and wastewater services, we remain committed to helping customers facing financial challenges,” Ladner said. “These enhancements will provide eligible customers with more opportunities to reduce past-due balances, maintain service, and improve household affordability.”
In partnership with Dollar Energy Fund, Pennsylvania American Water said it offers a simple three-step process to help customers determine eligibility. Customers can first use the online income calculator, then review eligibility requirements, and lastly apply for assistance. These programs are designed to provide additional support and improve affordability for qualifying households.
Understanding the new rates
Customers can find information about their specific rate zone, estimated bill impacts, and customer assistance programs at pennsylvaniaamwater.com/rates and in upcoming bill communications.
“Water and wastewater service is something families rely on every day,” Ladner said. “Our responsibility is to make smart upgrades that keep service safe and reliable while connecting customers to programs that can help when they need it most.”
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Reach Bill O’Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.