Press Release

PUC Approves Sale of Troubled Greene County Water System

Published on 3/13/2025

Filed under: Water and Wastewater

Acquisition of East Dunkard Water System by Pennsylvania-American Water Company Secures Stability and Future Improvements for Customers

HARRISBURG – The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) today approved a settlement that will allow for the sale of the East Dunkard Water Authority system to Pennsylvania-American Water Company (PAWC), marking the final step in a long-running effort to ensure safe, reliable water service for residents and businesses in Greene County.

The Commission voted 5-0 today to grant the necessary approvals for PAWC to formally acquire and operate the East Dunkard water system, which serves approximately 1,800 customers –

representing a population of about 4,200 – across Dunkard Township, Greene Township, and portions of Monongahela, Cumberland, Perry, and Whiteley Townships.  The settlement requires, among other things, that PAWC adopt East Dunkard’s existing rates at closing and also provide outreach regarding customer assistance programs.

Collaborative Solution for the Community

Today’s decision follows previous emergency action taken by the PUC to address water service disruptions and operational deficiencies that left customers without access to clean, safe drinking water. At that time, the Commission authorized PAWC to temporarily manage the troubled system as a court-appointed receiver, in response to a joint petition from the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) and PAWC.

“I am pleased that the parties have brought a final resolution to this case so that the residents and businesses served by this water system can depend on safe and reliable service for years to come,” said PUC Chairman Stephen M. DeFrank. “This outcome reflects the positive impact of collaboration between DEP, PAWC, East Dunkard and the public advocates to find long-term solutions that benefit consumers.”

Next Steps for the Transition

With today’s approval, PAWC will proceed with closing the transaction and formally integrating East Dunkard customers into its water system. Key next steps include:

• Transaction Completion – PAWC will finalize the sale and notify the Commission of the closing.
  
  
• Service Continuity – PAWC will continue to operate the system in compliance with all state and federal regulations, ensuring a seamless transition for customers.
  
  
• Tariff and Rate Adjustments – PAWC will implement its existing water service tariff for East Dunkard customers, as previously outlined in the acquisition agreement.

Commitment to Long-Term Improvements

PAWC’s acquisition of the system is expected to bring critical operational and infrastructure improvements to enhance water quality, reliability, and efficiency. As part of its commitment, PAWC will continue evaluating and investing in necessary upgrades to support the long-term sustainability of the system.

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 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.

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Docket No.: A-2024-3049759

Contact:

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