Pennsylvania American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, announced today that it has signed an agreement with Elizabeth Borough Municipal Authority in Allegheny County to purchase its wastewater system assets for $28 million. The system serves approximately 2,200 customers within Elizabeth Borough, Elizabeth Township, Forward Township, and portions of Lincoln Borough.
“Pennsylvania American Water has been providing safe drinking water to area residents for decades, and we are excited to be selected as the future wastewater provider to these Mon Valley communities,” said Pennsylvania American Water President Justin Ladner. “We look forward to adding these customers to the more than 96,000 households and businesses across the Commonwealth that already rely on Pennsylvania American Water to expertly operate, manage and invest in their wastewater systems.”
The authority initially issued a request for bids in November 2021 for the potential sale of its wastewater system, citing that proceeds from the sale would be invested and used to fund other township capital improvement projects. The agreement follows a recent vote by the Elizabeth Borough Municipal Authority Board to accept Pennsylvania American Water’s bid.
“Throughout this competitive bid process, Pennsylvania American Water has reaffirmed its long-standing reputation as an excellent community partner who is dedicated to providing high-level service,” said Elizabeth Borough Mayor Barry Boucher. “The sale of our sewage system will relieve the need to continually invest in an aging system and enables our historic town to focus on more important community needs, such as taking Elizabeth back to our vibrant, traditional roots.”
Upon ownership, Pennsylvania American Water plans to invest approximately $20.4 million by 2028 to meet regulatory requirements, make targeted improvements to address inflow and infiltration, add new technology and control systems, and improve safety and security.
As part of the agreement, Pennsylvania American Water will adopt the authority’s wastewater rates at the time of closing. The company’s rates are set by the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC), and any future rate changes would have to be reviewed and approved by the PUC. The company also offers grants and monthly bill discounts to qualifying low-income water and wastewater customers through its H2O Help to Others Program.
Pennsylvania American Water and the Elizabeth Borough Municipal Authority Board will seek approval of the acquisition from the PUC and other necessary approvals from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection. The transaction is expected to close by the end of 2023 or early 2024, pending regulatory approvals.
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 approximately 6,400 dedicated professionals who provide regulated and regulated-like drinking water and wastewater services to an estimated 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.
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Contacts
Media:
Gary Lobaugh
Senior Manager, Government and External Affairs - Western PA
Pennsylvania American Water
724.944.5148
gary.lobaugh@amwater.com
