en.Wedoany.com Reported - Pennsylvania American Water announced that new water and wastewater rates have taken effect this week, alongside an expanded customer assistance program designed to help eligible households manage their bills.
The new rates, approved by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), will support the company's $1.2 billion investment through mid-2027 to modernize and strengthen water and wastewater systems in communities across Pennsylvania. The infrastructure improvement plan includes replacing 117 miles of aging water mains, continuing the elimination of lead service lines, and treating emerging contaminants such as PFAS (per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances) in drinking water. The plan also includes replacing 32 miles of aging wastewater mains to support critical wastewater system upgrades.
Justin Ladner, president of Pennsylvania American Water, stated that the changes customers see on their bills help sustain the safe, clean, and reliable water and wastewater services they and their communities rely on every day. The company is focused on expanding customer assistance to help eligible customers access available support, freeing up funds for everyday household needs.
The expanded customer assistance program is now available. The company has provided payment assistance to eligible customers through the H2O Help to Others™ program for more than 35 years. In the past year alone, customers received over $16 million in discounts and $1.8 million in grants through the program. As part of the PUC-approved rate changes, the company has strengthened its programs to provide additional support for eligible customers with past-due balances: monthly financial assistance increased from $25 to $40; enrolled eligible customers are allowed to earn a monthly arrears forgiveness credit for each full payment made during program participation, regardless of payment timeliness; eligible customers are provided the opportunity to receive full arrears forgiveness within 24 months; and retroactive credits will be applied once a participating household's in-program balance has been paid in full.
Ladner noted that while these investments are necessary to continue delivering high-quality water and wastewater services, the company remains committed to helping customers facing financial challenges. These enhancements will provide eligible customers with more opportunities to reduce past-due balances, maintain service, and improve household affordability.
Pennsylvania American Water, in partnership with the Dollar Energy Fund, offers a simple three-step process to help customers determine eligibility: use the online income calculator, review the qualification requirements, and then apply for assistance.
Under the PUC-approved rates, a typical residential water customer will see an increase of approximately $3 per month. Customers using septic systems will see an increase of approximately $14 per month, while those using combined stormwater and wastewater systems will see an increase of approximately $17 per month. Customers can find information about their specific rate district, estimated bill impacts, and customer assistance programs at pennsylvaniaamwater.com/rates and in upcoming bill notices.
American Water is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States, with a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating its 140th anniversary in 2026. The company operates regulated businesses in 14 states and 19 military installations, providing drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people, with about 7,000 professionals. Pennsylvania American Water is its subsidiary and the largest regulated water utility in the state, employing approximately 1,200 people and serving about 2.5 million people.
