Pennsylvania American Water Announces York Wastewater Rate Adjustment
New rates effective May 27, 2025; Customer assistance program available for eligible customers facing financial difficulty
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (May 1, 2025) – Pennsylvania American Water announced today that new rates will take effect on May 27 for its York wastewater customers. This marks the expiration of a three-year rate freeze condition that was part of the company’s acquisition of the system in 2022, and the first rate increase for wastewater customers in York in eight years.
“This adjustment will align the rates of York wastewater customers with those paid by our other customers across the commonwealth,” said Christina Chard, senior director of rates and regulatory support for Pennsylvania American Water. “We also want to remind customers that if they’re experiencing financial difficulties, assistance is available through our H2O Help to Others Program™.”
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved the company’s new rates in July 2024, which becomes effective on May 27, 2025, for York wastewater customers. At that time, H2O Help to Others was also expanded, increasing the income level thresholds for the program’s grant and bill discount offerings and launching a new Arrearage Forgiveness Program.
When new rates take effect on May 27, 2025, the average monthly residential wastewater bill for York wastewater customers will increase by about $36. Before Pennsylvania American Water acquired the system, the last wastewater service rate increase for City of York residents occurred in 2017.
Due to longstanding environmental challenges, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drafted an administrative order for compliance, which was negotiated and signed before the sale to Pennsylvania American Water was finalized.
The compliance order mandated improvements in the system, including upgrades to the wastewater treatment process, technology and control systems, as well as rehabilitation projects for wastewater mains. Furthermore, as part of its commitment to enhancing the system, the company plans to invest $60 million in upgrades by 2030.
Pennsylvania American Water has invested over $13 million in the York wastewater system since its acquisition, helping to address environmental issues like the release of raw sewage into Codorus Creek and 29 instances from March 2019 to June 2021 during which the treatment plant discharged polluted water exceeding legal limits.
To apply for Pennsylvania American Water’s H2O Help to Others Program offerings, customers should contact the program administrator, Dollar Energy Fund, at 1-888-282-6816 or dollarenergy.org. Additional information is also available at pennsylvaniaamwater.com/H2O.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people.
Media Contacts
William Gelgot
External Affairs Manager, Central Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania American Water
william.gelgot@amwater.com
MECHANICSBURG, Pa. (May 1, 2025) – Pennsylvania American Water announced today that new rates will take effect on May 27 for its York wastewater customers. This marks the expiration of a three-year rate freeze condition that was part of the company’s acquisition of the system in 2022, and the first rate increase for wastewater customers in York in eight years.
“This adjustment will align the rates of York wastewater customers with those paid by our other customers across the commonwealth,” said Christina Chard, senior director of rates and regulatory support for Pennsylvania American Water. “We also want to remind customers that if they’re experiencing financial difficulties, assistance is available through our H2O Help to Others Program™.”
The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission approved the company’s new rates in July 2024, which becomes effective on May 27, 2025, for York wastewater customers. At that time, H2O Help to Others was also expanded, increasing the income level thresholds for the program’s grant and bill discount offerings and launching a new Arrearage Forgiveness Program.
When new rates take effect on May 27, 2025, the average monthly residential wastewater bill for York wastewater customers will increase by about $36. Before Pennsylvania American Water acquired the system, the last wastewater service rate increase for City of York residents occurred in 2017.
Due to longstanding environmental challenges, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency drafted an administrative order for compliance, which was negotiated and signed before the sale to Pennsylvania American Water was finalized.
The compliance order mandated improvements in the system, including upgrades to the wastewater treatment process, technology and control systems, as well as rehabilitation projects for wastewater mains. Furthermore, as part of its commitment to enhancing the system, the company plans to invest $60 million in upgrades by 2030.
Pennsylvania American Water has invested over $13 million in the York wastewater system since its acquisition, helping to address environmental issues like the release of raw sewage into Codorus Creek and 29 instances from March 2019 to June 2021 during which the treatment plant discharged polluted water exceeding legal limits.
To apply for Pennsylvania American Water’s H2O Help to Others Program offerings, customers should contact the program administrator, Dollar Energy Fund, at 1-888-282-6816 or dollarenergy.org. Additional information is also available at pennsylvaniaamwater.com/H2O.
About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to more than 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 18 military installations. American Water’s 6,700 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.
About Pennsylvania American Water
Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state, providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 2.4 million people.
Media Contacts
William Gelgot
External Affairs Manager, Central Pennsylvania
Pennsylvania American Water
william.gelgot@amwater.com