Pennsylvania American Water announced today it has completed its acquisition of the water system assets of East Dunkard Water Authority (EDWA). The newly acquired water system serves approximately 1,600 customer connections in Greene County. Prior to the acquisition, Pennsylvania American Water managed and operated the EDWA system as its receiver following a November 2023 Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) emergency order and February 2024 Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court order.
“Like many of the water systems we acquire across Pennsylvania, the East Dunkard Water Authority was in poor condition and largely out of compliance with drinking water regulations,” said Justin Ladner, president of Pennsylvania American Water. “As the PUC-ordered receiver, our team significantly improved water quality and service for the authority’s customers. Today, we welcome them as our own customers, and we look forward to continuing to provide safe, clean and reliable water service by delivering on our technical expertise and extensive water experience.”
Over the next five years, Pennsylvania American Water plans to invest more than $16.1 million in EDWA system improvements. The improvements will include targeted main restorations and replacements, technology and control systems enhancements, and treatment plant upgrades. The company has a long and successful track record of providing solutions for water systems facing significant capital investment needs and making the necessary investments to meet current and future requirements.
The expected investment follows nearly $2 million already invested by the company in its first year as the system’s court-ordered receiver.
Pennsylvania State Senator Cameron Bartolotta, who represents the EDWA service area, witnessed firsthand the system and water quality improvements under the company’s receivership. “Pennsylvania American Water has brought this system back into compliance and, more importantly, restored customer confidence in receiving safe and reliable drinking water. We appreciate their commitment to this community.”
The $5 million purchase was approved by the PUC on March 13, 2025. In accordance with the PUC’s approval, Pennsylvania American Water will adopt the rates currently being charged to the system’s customers. The PUC regulates the company’s rates and rules and regulations of service; therefore, any future rate changes will require review and approval by the PUC.
As many water and wastewater systems across Pennsylvania face challenges stemming from aging infrastructure and growing water quality and environmental regulation, regional consolidation and receiverships, like the one seen with the East Dunkard Water Authority, have been identified as a viable solution. Pennsylvania American Water’s scale as the commonwealth’s largest water and wastewater company differentiates it from other service providers in terms of the types of solutions it is able to offer communities in need.
Pennsylvania American Water offers multiple customer assistance programs, including its longstanding H2O Help to Others Program™. For qualifying water customers, the program offers grants of up to $500 per year, a 30-90% discount on the monthly service fee and a 20-80% discount on monthly volumetric charges.
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.
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Contacts
Media Contact:
David Misner
Senior Manager, External Communications
717-261-7525
david.misner@amwater.com
