The Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission voted last week to suspend and investigate Aqua Pennsylvania Inc.’s proposed hikes in water and wastewater rates by 20% and 18%, respectively.
Aqua Pennsylvania serves 1.5 million residents in 32 Pennsylvania counties, including a portion of Bucks County. In May, it filed an application with the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission requesting an increase in water bills and wastewater rates.
The request reflects recovery of the $953 million in infrastructure investments through the end of 2025, according to Aqua.
If approved, it would increase the residential water bill for a typical customer using 3,870 gallons per month from $80.91 to $97.01, an increase of about $16.10 per month (54 cents per day).
The average monthly residential wastewater bill would increase from $81.18 to $96.10.
The hikes would generate an additional $126.7 million per year for Aqua’s water and wastewater operations.
The process to hike base rates involves opportunities for public participation.
Chalfont Borough Council seems poised to take advantage of those opportunities.
“A 19 percent increase seems letter-worthy,” remarked council Vice President Tracy Bowen on June 11, after residents attended a meeting to ask the borough to advocate against the rate hikes.
Council President John Engel encouraged anyone getting water from Aqua to write letters in opposition to the hikes. He noted that the council could and should still say something, but he added protests should also come from the people.
Following the meeting, council member Mitchell Meyerson stated via email that two Aqua representatives are scheduled to appear at the council’s July meeting.
“This will give the public a face-to-face meeting and open forum on water issues,” Meyerson said. “I urge all local residents to let Chalfont Borough know that they would be interested in attending such a meeting.”
Customers can also call Aqua at 877-987-2782 for more information about the rate request.
If approved the hike would take effect in February, according to the company.
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