Pennsylvania American Water Completes Acquisition of Upper Pottsgrove Wastewater System

Company plans to invest more than $4 million to improve reliability, safety, and environmental compliance

MECHANICSBURG, Pa.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, announced today 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.”

Over the next five years, Pennsylvania American Water plans to invest more than $4 million in Upper Pottsgrove Township wastewater system improvements. These improvements include 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 on September 15, 2021, 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 PUC regulates the company’s rates, rules, and regulations of service; therefore, any future rate changes will require review and approval by the PUC.

The township agreed to sell its wastewater system to Pennsylvania American Water in May 2020, citing that the proposed sale was important to improve infrastructure, provide for resilient and responsive municipal services, and support the township’s future.

“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.”

Last month, Pennsylvania American Water also completed the acquisition of the City of York’s wastewater system in York County, which serves more than 45,000 customers, including 14,000 direct customer connections and bulk service to seven surrounding municipalities. It was the company’s largest wastewater system acquisition to date. With these two recent acquisitions, the company is now the wastewater provider for nearly 225,000 Pennsylvanians.

About Pennsylvania American Water

Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water (NYSE: AWK), is the largest investor-owned water utility in the state, providing high-quality and reliable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people.

About American Water

With a history dating back to 1886, American Water is the largest and most geographically diverse U.S. publicly traded water and wastewater utility company. The company employs more than 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people in 24 states. American Water provides safe, clean, affordable and reliable water services to our customers to help keep their lives flowing. For more information, visit amwater.com and follow American Water on Twitter, Facebook and LinkedIn.