Press Release

PUC Approves York Water Purchase of Abbottstown Municipal Authority Water System

Published on 7/20/2006

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today unanimously approved the purchase of the Abbottstown Municipal Authority water system, Adams County, by York Water Co. 

          The purchase includes the physical plant, property, equipment and facilities comprising the existing water distribution system, rights-of-way, real estate and easements by York Water.

          The Commission also approved York Water’s request to provide water service to the Authority‘s customers.  The Authority currently serves parts of Jackson and Paradise townships in York County, parts of Berwick, Oxford and Hamilton townships and Abbottstown Borough in Adams County.

           York Water will pay $875,855 for the Authority’s distribution system.  The Authority obtains all of its water from wells and had been directed by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection to develop an alternative source of water supply.  The high potential costs the Authority faced to develop an alternative source of supply would burden its existing customers.

            York Water has estimated the monthly pumped rate for an average residential customer using 4,344 gallons to be $29.96.  York Water notified the Authority’s customers of the change on Feb. 6, 2006. 

            Following the acquisition of the Authority’s water facilities, York Water will construct 35,000 feet of 16-inch main and a booster station.  York Water expects to spend about $2.6 million cost for an interconnection to the system.  York Water also intends to install an automated meter reading system for the Authority customers at a cost of $70,000.

            York Water provides water service for more than 55,000 residential, commercial and industrial consumers in 37 municipalities in York County.

            The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission ensures safe, reliable and reasonably priced electric, natural gas, water, telephone and transportation service for Pennsylvania consumers, by regulating public utilities and by serving as responsible stewards of competition. For recent news releases, or more information about the PUC, visit our website at www.puc.state.pa.us.

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Docket No.  U-00065267, A-213550F0021, A-213550F0022

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