Press Release

PUC Issues Emergency Order to Address Ongoing Water Service Crisis in Greene County Involving East Dunkard Water Authority

Published on 11/1/2023

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

PUC Emergency Order Grants Joint Request by Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection and Pennsylvania American Water Company to Allow PAWC to Take Control and Operate the Troubled Water System  

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today issued an emergency order authorizing the Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) to manage and operate the East Dunkard Water Authority system upon receipt of a court order appointing PAWC as a receiver for that troubled water system.

Today’s emergency action by the Commission comes in response to a joint petition filed with the PUC by the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and PAWC, in response to a series of incidents that have compromised and/or disrupted water service in the East Dunkard Water Authority system – depriving households, businesses and schools of access to clean and safe drinking water, along with water for sanitation and fire protection.

“Due to the Authority’s failure to effectively and properly operate its water system, which ultimately endangers the public health, safety, and welfare of approximately 1,800 households, businesses and schools and the population of approximately 4,200 located in Dunkard Township, Greene Township, and portions of Monongahela, Cumberland, Perry and Whiteley townships, the Commission has determined it is appropriate to set forth the rights, duties and obligations of PAWC acting as a receiver of the Authority in order to manage and operate its Water System,” noted today’s PUC emergency order, which was signed by PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank.

As noted by DEP and PAWC in their joint petition, PAWC has experienced personnel and substantial public water system operations in southwestern Pennsylvania and has resources and capabilities to oversee and manage the East Dunkard system.

The PUC’s emergency order authorizing PAWC to serve as a receiver for the East Dunkard water system will become effective upon the issuance of a valid court order appointing PAWC as the receiver for that system. 

Today’s order also directs PAWC to provide bottled water to customers of the East Dunkard system, as required, between now and entry date of a Commonwealth Court order appointing PAWC as a receiver for the East Dunkard water system. 

Additionally, as a receiver, the emergency order directs PAWC to operate the East Dunkard water system in compliance with all state, federal and local laws and regulations, including the Pennsylvania Safe Drinking Water Act – along with maintaining necessary permits, responding to system emergencies, conducting routine maintenance, keeping financial and accounting record, and taking other necessary steps to provide adequate, efficient, safe, and reliable service.

PAWC is also directed to submit an initial status report to the court, DEP, and PUC within 60 days of assuming operations of the East Dunkard water system, as well as subsequent quarterly reports, detailing recommended and necessary capital improvements to enhance system performance, reduce costs and/or comply with existing or anticipated changes to applicable laws and regulations.   

Today’s PUC emergency order is separate from any potential future Commission action on a previously agreed sale of the East Dunkard system to PAWC.  

About the PUC

The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission balances the needs of consumers and utilities; ensures safe and reliable utility service at reasonable rates; protects the public interest; educates consumers to make independent and informed utility choices; furthers economic development; and fosters new technologies and competitive markets in an environmentally sound manner.

Visit the PUC’s website at puc.pa.gov for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on Twitter, Facebook, LinkedIn, Instagram, and YouTube. Search for the “Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission” or “PA PUC” on your favorite social media channel for updates on utility issues and other helpful consumer information.

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Docket No.: P-2023-3043950

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov