Press Release

PUC Applauds Multi-Agency Response that Secured Safe, Reliable Water for East Dunkard Community

Published on 6/12/2025

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

PUC Chairman DeFrank Says Regionalization Key to Tackling Infrastructure, Staffing, and “Forever Chemical” Challenges

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank today joined state, local, and utility leaders at the East Dunkard Water Authority (EWA) treatment plant to celebrate the successful transition of the once-troubled water system to Pennsylvania American Water Company (PAWC) — a move that secures long-term, reliable service for residents and businesses in the region.

“Today is a victory for the people of this community,” said Chairman DeFrank. “It’s also a powerful example of what happens when state agencies, local governments, utilities, and community leaders work together toward a common goal — providing safe and reliable water to the Pennsylvanians who depend on it.”

The event follows the PUC’s March 2025 approval of a settlement allowing for the sale of the EWA system to PAWC. That decision concluded a long-running effort involving the PUC, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), EWA, the Commonwealth Court, and other stakeholders — prompted by a series of severe service disruptions, health risks, and regulatory failures that left thousands of customers without reliable access to clean water.

DeFrank also emphasized the broader importance of regionalization in addressing the growing challenges faced by small water and wastewater systems — including aging infrastructure, the presence of emerging contaminants like PFAS, and a need for improved cybersecurity and staffing.

“Whether it’s public-to-public partnerships or private acquisitions, regionalization gives us tools to ensure safe, cost-effective, and sustainable service,” said Chairman DeFrank. “We saw the cost of inaction in East Dunkard — and we’re here today because we chose action instead.”

For more information about the PUC’s role in utility oversight and consumer protection, visit the PUC website at www.puc.pa.gov.

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 for recent news releases and video of select proceedings. You can also follow us on X (formerly 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.

# # #

Contact:

• Nils Hagen-Frederiksen
  Press Secretary
  717-418-2701
  nhagen-fre@pa.gov
• David Hixson
  Deputy Press Secretary
  717-772-2766
  dhixson@pa.gov