Rock Spring Water Company 2024 Reports 

• Rock Spring Water Company 2024 Water Quality Report
• Rock Spring Water Company 2024 Service Line Inventory

System Updates

May 2, 2025: Power was restored at the Rock Spring well and tank sites on Thursday, May 1 and Friday, May 2, respectively. 

April 30, 2025: A major storm last night caused widespread power issues in the State College area. Power was lost at the Rock Spring well and tank sites, and it may be several days before it is restored. Pennsylvania American Water was able to bring in a generator from our Philipsburg system to supply power to the well pump and booster pumps. As a result, there have been no customer service interruptions. 

April 16, 2025: Pennsylvania American Water recently implemented a series of critical enhancements to support its interim receivership of the Rock Spring Water Company (Rock Spring) in Ferguson Township, Centre County. These improvements help to promote the safety, reliability and quality of the community's drinking water.

“Since the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission-ordered receivership, we have promptly assembled a team of experts to analyze and implement immediate improvements that support reliable water quality and service,” said Pennsylvania American Water Senior Director of Operations Joe Woodward. “Our expertise, evidenced by our proven track record of revitalizing troubled systems, has swiftly stabilized operations for Rock Spring customers.”

As of March 20, 2025, Pennsylvania American Water is acting as the receiver of Rock Spring under an order from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission. This order was issued due to Rock Spring Water Company’s numerous regulatory violations, deteriorating infrastructure, low water pressure, frequent power outages and prolonged boil-water advisories. 

Pennsylvania American Water has upgraded Rock Spring’s drinking water treatment system’s Supervisory Control and Data Acquisition System (SCADA). This upgrade enables the company to continuously monitor and control the well’s equipment and processes using real-time data. It also allows Pennsylvania American Water to quickly identify any changes or issues that may arise and respond accordingly.

The upgraded SCADA system was crucial when Pennsylvania American Water needed to promptly address a well pump failure at Rock Spring overnight on April 4, which threatened to disrupt service to all customers.

The SCADA system, monitored by Pennsylvania American Water’s Milton Water Treatment Plant staff, indicated that the well pump motor needed to be replaced. The company secured and replaced the failing infrastructure within 24 hours of the notification while keeping all customers in service.  

The company has also installed an online chlorine analyzer for the well’s chlorine feed pump, which continuously monitors chlorine levels and promotes water quality stability. Pennsylvania American Water has also taken over all of Rock Spring’s compliance sample collection and reporting responsibilities.

Pennsylvania American Water’s team of experts also found several issues with the Rock Spring well’s chemical feed system, which disinfects the water. The chemical injection tubing was improperly configured and added sodium hypochlorite in an unapproved location. The equipment lacked parts and had no secondary spill containment.

The team improved the chemical feed system by moving the sodium hypochlorite injection point, adding new equipment, including a pump, and fixing a leak that caused flooding. As a result, the chemical feed system passed a Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection inspection and met disinfection standards.

Pennsylvania American Water has since implemented extra containment measures to prevent chemical spills and provided protective equipment for staff handling the chemicals. The company also addressed three water leaks and implemented numerous physical security enhancements at the well station to maintain a safe and reliable water supply for Rock Spring customers.

FAQ

Why was Pennsylvania American Water appointed Rock Spring Water Company’s receiver?
As of March 20, 2025, Pennsylvania American Water is acting as the receiver of Rock Spring Water Company (Rock Spring) under an order from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). This order was issued due to Rock Spring’s numerous regulatory violations, deteriorating infrastructure, low water pressure, frequent power outages and prolonged boil-water advisories. 

Does Pennsylvania American Water now own Rock Spring?
No, Rock Spring is still a privately owned water system. Pennsylvania American Water only serves as the system's receiver, appointed by the PUC. Rock Spring can still explore its previously agreed-upon sale to the State College Borough Water Authority.

Who do I call with questions regarding my bill or account, or if there is an emergency with my water service?
Customers should continue to contact Rock Spring with all inquiries by calling 814-231-2911 during regular business hours from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday to Friday or by emailing Rock.Spring.Customer@amwater.com. After-hours emergencies only should be reported to 1-800-272-1325.

What will the receivership look like for me as a customer?
Pennsylvania American Water is now operating the system on an interim basis. It will work to make improvements to provide safe and reliable delivery of water to you and your family.

Since we were appointed receiver, Pennsylvania American Water has made numerous improvements in the Rock Spring system. Pennsylvania American Water will inform customers about updates and planned water service disruptions on our website at pennsylvaniaamwater.com/RockSpring, by U.S. mail and/or by email.

Will this change my rates or how I am billed as a Rock Spring Water Company customer?
No. The PUC order authorizes Pennsylvania American Water to comply with Rock Spring’s existing rates, rules, and regulations.

Is the water safe to drink?
Yes. Your drinking water meets all water quality standards.

Who operates the well and takes all required regulatory samples during the receivership?
Pennsylvania American Water has taken over all system operations. This includes all regulatory requirements, like sampling.

Will Pennsylvania American Water be doing any projects to improve available fire flows at fire hydrants?
While fire hydrants are essential to any water system, Pennsylvania American Water’s primary goal during the receivership is to provide all customers safe and reliable drinking water. At this point, we do not expect to address flow in fire hydrants during the receivership.

Are there forever chemicals (PFAS) in Rock Spring’s water?
Rock Spring finished its first round of testing for PFAS chemicals in March. All tests over the past year showed no detectable levels of PFAS. Because of these results, future testing will occur every three years instead of quarterly.

Will Pennsylvania American Water be doing any leak detection during the receivership?
Yes. We have already begun leak detection and have found and addressed several leaks across the Rock Spring system.

When does Pennsylvania American Water anticipate the receivership being completed?
The duration of Pennsylvania American Water's receivership will depend on the progress of sale negotiations between Rock Spring and State College Borough Water Authority and the PUC approval process.

Know What's Below and Report Your Service Material 

If your home was built before 1930, you are more likely to have lead pipes on your property. If your home was built before 1986, you are more likely to have lead-soldered joints. Here’s a quick guide to help you determine your service line material.

Pennsylvania American Water’s water mains are not made of lead; however, the water service line that carries the water from the water main in the street to your home could be. Homeowners’ service lines may be made of lead, copper, galvanized steel or plastic. You can assess your service line material where it enters your home, typically in your basement, crawl space or garage, near the inlet valve.

Tips for Determining Your Service Line Material

YOU WILL NEED: Key or coin and a strong magnet

WHAT TO DO:

1. Locate the service line pipe as it enters your home from an exterior wall or floor.
2. If the pipe is a dull, silver-gray color, carefully scratch the pipe (like you would a lottery ticket) with a key or coin. Take care not to make a hole in the pipe. If the scratch turns a shiny silver color, it could be lead or steel.
3. Place the strong magnet on the pipe. If a magnet sticks, it is a steel pipe.
4. Wash hands after inspecting pipe.
5. Send a photo and the material type identified to LeadFreePA@amwater.com.

TYPES OF PIPE

OTHER WAYS TO CHECK FOR LEAD

1. A licensed and insured plumber can inspect your pipes and plumbing.
2. Lead test kits can be purchased at local hardware or home improvement stores. These kits are used to test paint, but can also be used to test pipe—not the water inside. Look for an EPA recognized kit. Wash your hands after inspecting plumbing and pipes.

Customer Service

Customers can learn more about these updates by visiting our Rock Spring webpage (pennsylvaniaamwater.com/rockspring), by contacting the Rock Spring office with any service issues at 814-231-2911 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m., Monday through Friday, or by email at Rock.Spring.Customer@amwater.com

Pennsylvania American Water is committed to the areas we serve, and we look forward to assisting you.