Your Water AND WASTEWATER Rates

Water and wastewater service rates are based on the real costs of treating and delivering water and collecting and treating wastewater. The rates for water and wastewater service in Pennsylvania are regulated by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC). The PUC will conduct an exhaustive investigation into the company’s proposed rates before rendering a decision on the company’s request. After examining the evidence, the PUC might grant all, some, or none of the request.  

Before it reaches your home or business, water is treated through an intricate treating and testing process to help ensure it meets or surpasses rigorous drinking water quality standards. The company treats wastewater to meet or exceed all environmental standards.

Rates charged for water service may vary based on a customer’s meter size. Customers are billed based on a monthly meter reading.

Pennsylvania American Water Submits Multi-Year Rate Request to Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission

On April 29, 2020, Pennsylvania American Water filed a request with the PUC to adjust its water and wastewater rates over a two-year period following an extensive review of the investment needed to ensure continued safe and reliable water and wastewater service. The PUC's investigation and analysis of the company’s filing can take up to nine months, and any new rates set by the Commission would not be effective until 2021. Read the full press release here. 

As part of this filing, the company’s Statement of Reasons (short version), Statement of Reasons (long version), Supplement No. 19 to Tariff Water-PA P.U.C. No.5, and Supplement No. 19 to Tariff Wastewater PA P.U.C. No. 16 are available to view at the links below.

• Statement of Reasons for the 2020 Rate Increase Request - Short Version
• Statement of Reasons for Proposed Increase in Rates - Long Version 
• Supplement No. 19 to Tariff Water-PA P.U.C. No.5 
• Supplement No. 19 to Tariff Wastewater PA P.U.C. No. 16 

To find out more about how you can participate in this rate process, contact the PUC or refer to the information provided in the customer notice mailed to you. All of the documents that are part of this rate case can be found on the PUC’s website here. The Docket Number for this rate case is R-2020-3019369.

Current Typical Residential and Commercial Water Rates*

Effective January 1, 2018. (Applicable to Rate Zone 1 for Residential and Commercial Classes) 

Service Charges

All metered customers shall be subject to a monthly service charge, based on the size of meter required to render adequate service.

Size of Meter         Per Month
5/8"                         $16.50
3/4"                         $25.00

Consumption Charges

The following rates shall apply per 100 gallons:

Gallons Per Month                        Residential         Commercial
First 16,000/Month                         $1.2217                 $1.2205
All In Excess of 16,000/Month      $1.2217                 $0.9153

* These rates are applicable to the majority of our residential customers. For rates specific to your region, view the effective Water Tariff below or call Pennsylvania American Water's Customer Service Center.

A full explanation of the rates for each of Pennsylvania American Water’s service areas is shown in the below rate schedules. 

• Water Tariff 
• Wastewater Tariff 

Water and Wastewater Distribution System Improvement Charge (DSIC) -- Pennsylvania American Water is committed to providing high-quality, reliable water and wastewater service to its customers. This requires continually investing in our systems. One of the approved methods that allow a utility to accelerate improvements to its water and wastewater infrastructure (pipes, valves, meters, hydrants, laterals and manholes) is through a water and wastewater DSIC, which are approved by the PA Public Utility Commission. As a result, a small charge is typically added to the customer’s water and wastewater bills to allow Pennsylvania American Water to replace more of its aging system annually, thus improving service to you.

Federal Tax Reform Brings Reduced Monthly Bills for Most Customers

Due to tax savings from the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017, Pennsylvania American Water received approval from the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) to lower charges on the monthly bills for most of our water and wastewater customers via a negative surcharge. The decrease started July 1, 2018, and appears as the “Fed Tax Adjust Surcharge” on your bill to reflect the company’s reduced tax expense. Read the details here. 

• Water: Nearly 6.8 percent decrease for most customers. For example, a water customer who uses 3,000 gallons per month will see $3.61 savings, or $43.32 per year. For water customers who use 5,000 gallons per month, the savings will be $5.27, or $63.24 per year.
• Wastewater (EXCLUDING Scranton Wastewater Operations): Nearly 7.7 percent decrease for most customers. For example, a wastewater customer who uses 3,000 gallons per month will see $4.25 savings, or $51 per year. For wastewater customers who use 5,000 gallons per month, the savings will be $6.58, or $78.96 per year.
• Wastewater (Scranton operations): Nearly 5.5 percent decrease for most customers. For example, a Scranton wastewater customer who uses 3,000 gallons per month will see $2.08 savings, or $24.96 per year. For wastewater customers who use 5,000 gallons per month, the savings will be $2.76, or $33.12 per year.