Pennsylvania American Water is excited to announce that it has completed the acquisition of the wastewater system assets of Upper Pottsgrove Township, Montgomery County. The newly acquired wastewater system serves approximately 1,550 customers.
“Pennsylvania American Water couldn’t be more pleased to welcome the residents of Upper Pottsgrove Township as new wastewater customers,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Mike Doran. “We look forward to providing this community with safe, reliable service by delivering on our infrastructure investment, technical expertise and decades of wastewater experience.”
This is the first step in a five-year plan in which Pennsylvania American Water will invest more than $4 million in the township’s wastewater system improvements. This includes wastewater main and manhole replacements, technology and control system upgrades, lift station upgrades and meter replacements. The company has a long and successful track record of improving water and wastewater systems facing significant capital investment needs and making the necessary investments to meet current and future environmental regulations.
The $13.75 million purchase was approved last September by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). As part of the PUC’s approval, Pennsylvania American Water will adopt the existing Upper Pottsgrove Township wastewater rates and will transition customers to a monthly billing cycle.
“The township approved the sale for several reasons. The greater financial resources and the professional expertise of Pennsylvania American Water far surpass the ability of the township to operate and provide the much-needed investment in the wastewater system, particularly as it relates to ever increasing environmental and regulatory compliance matters,” said the commissioners of Upper Pottsgrove Township. “Additionally, the associated risks of managing a wastewater system and their unforeseen costs were a major factor in transferring the system to Pennsylvania American Water. The proceeds of the sale will greatly enhance the long-term financial security of the township as well.”
This, along with the recent acquisition of the City of York’s wastewater system, now makes the company the wastewater provider for almost 225,000 Pennsylvanians.