Press Release

HARRISBURG - The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) has scheduled two hearings to receive public comment on a Washington County resident’s effort to have Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) extend water service to homes with contaminated wells.

Administrative Law Judge Larry Gesoff will conduct hearings in:

• Hickory, Washington County, on Monday, September 9, at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., at the Mount Pleasant Township Volunteer Fire Company, 106 Main Street

A resident filed a complaint with the PUC in May 2001 stating that more than half the wells are contaminated and requesting public water. Customers want to be connected because PA-American has existing mains within 2.5 miles of Hickory.

In 1989, Mount Pleasant township and Mount Pleasant Township Municipal Authority contacted PA-American to provide water service to all areas where the wells are contaminated. The company said it would be willing to provide water service to the areas but customers would have to pay part of the construction cost.

However, the township relinquished loans and grants it had been awarded to construct a public water system because a majority of Hickory residents opposed the plan.

Customer testimony will become part of the record on which the PUC will base its decision in the case.

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.